Indian Scout Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rosebud Ghost Hawk
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Indian Scout is a Federal-owned earth dam located in South Dakota, specifically in Todd County near the city of Rosebud.
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Summary
Built in 1933 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the dam stands at a structural height of 33 feet and has a length of 500 feet. It serves the purpose of water resource management on Rosebud Creek, providing a storage capacity of 15 acre-feet for flood control and irrigation purposes.
Despite its age, Indian Scout has a high hazard potential due to its age and condition assessment which is currently not available. The dam has a controlled spillway type and is subject to inspections every five years, with the last inspection conducted in August 2012. The risk assessment for Indian Scout is classified as very high, indicating the need for careful monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Indian Scout presents an interesting case study in the management of aging infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. As a critical piece of water infrastructure in South Dakota, the dam plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks and supporting agricultural activities in the region. With its high hazard potential and risk assessment, there is a pressing need for continued monitoring and maintenance to safeguard against potential failures and ensure the long-term resilience of the dam in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1933 |
Dam Length |
500 |
River Or Stream |
ROSEBUD CREEK -TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
15 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Indian Scout