Ziemer Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Ziemer Dam, located in Roberts County, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1998.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 30 acre-feet. The dam spans 200 feet and is situated on the TR Big Stone Lake tributary, within the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

While Ziemer Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential, it is subject to state regulation and inspection by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The dam's spillway, measuring 120 feet in width, is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1620 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's condition remains unrated, with no recent assessment conducted since its last inspection in October 2004.

Overall, Ziemer Dam serves as a vital structure in managing water resources in the region and plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage. With its strategic location and design, the dam contributes to the sustainable management of the local watershed and provides valuable insights for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the intersection of infrastructure development and environmental conservation.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

TR BIG STONE LAKE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

51

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.