Brown Dam #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brown Dam #2 Sterns No.2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Brown Dam #1, located in Harding, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure built in 1982 on the North Bull Creek.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge of 600 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
With a primary purpose not specified, Brown Dam #1 serves as a key water resource infrastructure in the region, providing crucial storage for agricultural and environmental needs. Its condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated," indicating a potential need for further evaluation and maintenance. With a designated emergency action plan yet to be prepared, there is room for improvement in terms of risk management and preparedness for any potential incidents or emergencies that may arise in the future. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the impact and management of dams in South Dakota may find Brown Dam #1 an intriguing case study in the region.
Year Completed |
1982 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
NORTH BULL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
200 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Brown Dam #1