White Hill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

White Hill Dam, located in Perkins, South Dakota, is a private-owned structure that plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 1930, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a storage capacity of 630 acre-feet. The dam is situated on White Hill Creek and is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition and last underwent inspection in May 1994.

While White Hill Dam serves as an essential infrastructure for water storage and management, its condition assessment remains unknown, highlighting the need for updated inspections and risk assessments. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are unspecified, but its presence is vital for flood control and water supply in the area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2000 cubic feet per second, the dam's role in protecting the surrounding communities from potential flooding events cannot be understated. Additionally, the dam's emergency preparedness measures, such as Emergency Action Plans and risk management strategies, require further development to ensure the safety of downstream residents and the environment in case of a dam failure.

In the realm of climate change and water resource management, White Hill Dam stands as a critical piece of infrastructure that requires regular monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and ensure its continued functionality. With the dam's location in a region susceptible to extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and flooding, it is imperative that comprehensive risk assessments, updated inspections, and emergency preparedness measures are put in place to safeguard the integrity of the structure and protect downstream communities and ecosystems. Collaboration between the private owner, state regulatory agencies, and federal authorities is essential to uphold the dam's safety standards and resilience in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

WHITE HILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

630

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.