Dewberry Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: F. Macijewske Mike Welder
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Dewberry Dam, located in South Dakota along Dog Butte Creek, was completed in 1937 under the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a length of 390 feet, providing a storage capacity of 264 acre-feet for flood control purposes. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.
The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk rating, indicating a certain level of risk associated with its operation. Despite not being rated for its current condition, Dewberry Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the Dewey County area. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled with a width of 50 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 2000 cubic feet per second during extreme events.
With a history dating back over eight decades, Dewberry Dam remains a key component of the local water management system. Its presence along Dog Butte Creek contributes to the overall resilience of the region against flooding events, showcasing the importance of well-maintained infrastructure in mitigating climate-related risks. As climate change continues to impact water resources, maintaining and monitoring dams like Dewberry is essential for ensuring the safety and security of communities in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
390 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
DOG BUTTE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
264 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Cedar Creek Nr Raleigh
|
20cfs |
Cannonball River Nr Raleigh
|
40cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
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.
Dewberry Dam