Onida Feeders Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Onida Feeders Dam, located in South Dakota, is a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in water resource management.


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Summary

Completed in 1976, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and boasts a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state standards.

Situated on a tributary of Medicine Creek, Onida Feeders Dam serves as a vital component of the local water infrastructure, with a maximum discharge capacity of 675 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated." While the structure has not been assessed for emergency preparedness or risk management measures, it remains an essential asset for water supply and flood control in the region.

With its strategic location and significant impact on the surrounding area's water resources, Onida Feeders Dam stands as a testament to the importance of effective dam management and maintenance. As climate change continues to pose challenges for water infrastructure, the proper regulation and upkeep of structures like this one are essential for ensuring the safety and security of communities that rely on them for water supply and flood protection.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

1900

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

TRIB. MEDICINE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

300

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.