Winter Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bullis Wetland Dam Dry Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Winter Dam, located in Brookings, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2002.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 535 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 94 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 34 acre-feet. Situated on the TR. BIG SIOUX RIVER, Winter Dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with inspection and enforcement protocols in place to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Winter Dam serves as a crucial water management tool for the surrounding area, helping to control the flow of the river and mitigate potential flood risks. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet, and no outlet gates are present. While the condition of the dam is currently rated as "Not Rated," regular inspections are conducted, with the last inspection taking place in May 2002. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, Winter Dam plays a vital role in safeguarding the local community from water-related risks and enhancing the resilience of the region's water resources in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
535 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
TR. BIG SIOUX RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
94 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
Winter Dam