May & Sons Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Green Valley May Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
May & Sons Dam, located in Jackson, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure that serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.
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Summary
Completed in 1979, this Earth-type dam has a height of 24 feet and a storage capacity of 270 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary of Potato Creek, the dam plays a vital role in regulating water flow and providing irrigation for agricultural purposes in the region.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, May & Sons Dam is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its safety and effectiveness. With a low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of water storage and management. Despite not having a designated emergency action plan or inundation maps prepared, the dam remains a key infrastructure for water conservation and climate resilience efforts in the area.
Although lacking some detailed risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures, the May & Sons Dam stands as a testament to private sector involvement in water resource management. With its strategic location and capacity to store and regulate water, this dam contributes significantly to the ecological and agricultural sustainability of the region, making it a noteworthy site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and support.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. POTATO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
270 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
May & Sons Dam