Besler Dam No. 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Besler Dam No.1 Besler Dam No. 5
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Besler Dam No.
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Summary
3, located in Perkins, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam designed by Ducks Unlimited and completed in 2000. This dam, with a height of 20 feet and a length of 520 feet, serves the primary purpose of water storage on the TR Moreau River. With a maximum storage capacity of 162 acre-feet and a normal storage of 66 acre-feet, Besler Dam No. 3 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Besler Dam No. 3 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for condition, the dam undergoes regular inspections to mitigate risks and meet safety guidelines. With a moderate risk assessment, Besler Dam No. 3 is a vital infrastructure contributing to water resource management in the region, supported by the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of Besler Dam No. 3 in maintaining water storage, flood control, and environmental conservation in the Perkins area of South Dakota. As a privately owned structure designed by Ducks Unlimited, this earth dam stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in sustainable water management. With state regulatory oversight and regular inspections, Besler Dam No. 3 ensures the safety and efficiency of water storage operations on the TR Moreau River, contributing to the overall resilience of the local watershed and supporting the region's ecological and agricultural systems.
Year Completed |
2000 |
Dam Length |
520 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
162 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Besler Dam No. 3