Harris Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cedar Creek Dam Lacreek Dam No. 7
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Harris Dam, located in Bennett, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1940 with a primary purpose not specified.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 175 feet, with a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam is situated on a tributary of the Little White River and falls under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Harris Dam poses a moderate risk due to its condition assessment being marked as "Not Rated." The dam's spillway is uncontrolled and has a width of 40 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1350 cubic feet per second. The risk management measures and emergency action plan status for the dam are not specified in the data. With its historical significance dating back to the 1940s and its vital role in water resource management in the region, Harris Dam remains an important infrastructure for the local community and ecosystem.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intricacies of dam infrastructure and risk assessment will find Harris Dam to be a fascinating case study. With its unique design characteristics, historical importance, and regulatory oversight, the dam presents a compelling subject for further exploration and research. As efforts to enhance dam safety and resilience continue to evolve, Harris Dam serves as a valuable example of the intersection between water resource management, climate adaptation, and infrastructure development in a changing world.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
175 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. LITTLE WHITE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
96 |
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.
Harris Dam