Garber Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bennett Martin Hattum Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Garber Dam, located in Hughes County, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2000.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet, with a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 785 cubic feet per second. The dam serves the primary purpose of water resource management in the region, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Garber Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safe operation and maintenance. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 58 feet, and no outlet gates. Despite being rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the dam's risk management measures are in place to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.
With its strategic location in the NESE SEC.08-110N-76W area, Garber Dam plays a crucial role in water storage and flood control for the TR MISSONot RatedI RIVER. It stands as a testament to the collaboration between federal and state agencies, showcasing a commitment to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
2000 |
Dam Length |
455 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR MISSONot RatedI RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
135 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
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.
Garber Dam