Hansen Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hansen Dam, located in Haakon, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1990 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge rate of 525 cubic feet per second. The dam's primary purpose is to control the flow of TR SOUTH CREEK and provide flood protection for the surrounding area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Hansen Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 75 feet and is designed to handle moderate risk levels. While the dam's condition has not been rated, it is regularly monitored for any potential safety hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hansen Dam presents an interesting case study in dam construction and management. Its location in South Dakota and association with the USDA NRCS highlight the importance of sustainable water infrastructure development in rural areas. The dam's design and operational features provide valuable insights into flood control and risk management strategies for similar earth dams in the region.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR SOUTH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

78

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.