Hanson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hanson Dam No. 2 Sd Noname 202
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hanson Dam in South Dakota is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1994, with a primary purpose of water resource management on the Haxby Draw river.
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Summary
This low-hazard potential structure stands at 21 feet high and 400 feet long, with a maximum storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. Situated in Haakon County, the dam serves to regulate water flow, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1900 cubic feet per second.
Despite being privately owned, Hanson Dam is regulated and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ensuring compliance with state jurisdiction and permitting requirements. The dam is classified as not rated in terms of condition assessment, indicating its overall stability and structural integrity. While the dam has not been modified since its completion, it plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and minimizing the risk of flooding.
Hanson Dam's location and design make it a vital infrastructure for water resource enthusiasts and climate advocates, contributing to the sustainable management of water in the region. With its low hazard potential and compliance with state regulatory agencies, the dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and serves as a model for other similar structures in the area. Its completion in 1994 marks a significant milestone in the efforts to ensure water security and mitigate the impacts of climate change on local communities.
Year Completed |
1994 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
HAXBY DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
200 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Hanson Dam