Clausen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: L. Koch M. Schremp
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Clausen Dam, located in Dewey County, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 2002.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 26 feet in height and spans 240 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet. The dam is located on TR Bear Creek and serves the primary purpose of regulating water flow in the area.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Clausen Dam is under the regulatory oversight of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. While the dam has not been rated for its condition, it is regularly inspected, with the last inspection conducted in November 2003. In terms of emergency preparedness, details such as the existence of an emergency action plan and inundation maps are not available in the data.
Despite its modest size and capacity, Clausen Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and mitigating potential risks associated with its operation. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam presents an interesting case study in the management of small-scale earth structures in a rural setting like Dewey County, South Dakota.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
240 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
98 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
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.
Clausen Dam