Feller Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lynn Beals Garber Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Feller Dam, located in Hughes County, South Dakota, was completed in 1998 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a vital earth dam along the Dehart Draw river.
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Summary
With a height of 19 feet and a length of 420 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 180 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area. Despite being privately owned, Feller Dam is regulated and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam's low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment make it a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the region. With an uncontrolled spillway width of 200 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 2700 cfs, Feller Dam is equipped to handle potential flooding events and protect downstream areas. Although its condition is currently not rated, the dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflect a commitment to water resource management and climate resilience.
As a key structure in the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Feller Dam plays a critical role in flood control and water storage in the region. Its location in a rural area underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure to safeguard against potential risks and ensure sustainable water resource management. With ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight, Feller Dam continues to contribute to the resilience of the local water system and support the needs of the community.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
DEHART DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
180 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Feller Dam