Haivala #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Haivala #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Harding, South Dakota, along Cottonwood Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1951, this dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet. It serves the primary purpose of water storage with a normal storage capacity of 150 acre-feet, helping to regulate the flow of water and mitigate flooding risks in the area.

Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Haivala #1 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for its condition, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 675 cubic feet per second, Haivala #1 contributes to the overall water infrastructure network in South Dakota.

While not owned or funded by any federal agency, Haivala #1 remains an important structure in the Omaha District for water resource management. With no associated structures, locks, or spillways, this dam primarily serves as a storage reservoir along Cottonwood Creek. Although its condition is currently not rated, Haivala #1 continues to play a vital role in water supply and flood control efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

COTTONWOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

300

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.