Comp Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cone Dam Leichtnam Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Comp Dam, located in South Dakota along the tributary of Medicine Creek, is a privately owned earth dam that stands at 18 feet tall and stretches 666 feet in length.
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Summary
Completed in 1994, this dam has a storage capacity of 226 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2255 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition has not been officially rated.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Comp Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. However, details such as the last inspection date, condition assessment, and emergency action plan status remain unspecified. With Congressman Dusty Johnson representing the area, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management within Lyman County, South Dakota.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Comp Dam serves as a notable example of the intricate network of infrastructure that supports water management in the region. Its construction and maintenance reflect the ongoing efforts to balance water storage and flood control needs while ensuring public safety and environmental sustainability. As the dam continues to play a vital role in the local watershed, monitoring its condition and regulatory compliance remains essential for long-term water resource management and climate resilience in the area.
Year Completed |
1994 |
Dam Length |
666 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. MEDICINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
226 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Little White R Near Rosebud Sd
|
96cfs |
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.
Comp Dam