Hansen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Deer Dam Joes Spreader Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Hansen Dam, located in Harding, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 2000 by Ducks Unlimited.
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Summary
This dam, built on Dry House Creek, serves the primary purpose of flood control and water storage with a maximum storage capacity of 191 acre-feet. With a dam height of 18 feet and a length of 672 feet, Hansen Dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region, particularly during periods of high discharge.
The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 270 feet wide, helps manage excess water flow during heavy rainfall or snowmelt events. Despite being rated as low hazard potential and not having a current condition assessment, Hansen Dam is subject to regular state inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its structural integrity and effectiveness in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, signifying the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard against any potential threats to the dam's stability and functionality.
Overall, Hansen Dam is a vital infrastructure piece in the region's water resource management system, providing flood control, water storage, and risk mitigation benefits. With a focus on environmental and public safety, the dam's design and construction by Ducks Unlimited underscore the importance of sustainable water management practices in mitigating the impacts of climate change on water resources in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
2000 |
Dam Length |
672 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
DRY HOUSE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
191 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Hansen Dam