Mcquistion East Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Mcquistion East Dam, located in Stanley, South Dakota, stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience.


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Summary

Built in 2004 by NRCS-USDA, this private-owned Earth dam on TR. WILLOW CREEK serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood control and water storage in the region. With a height of 21 feet and a storage capacity of 127 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing the water resources in the area.

Despite being labeled as having a low hazard potential, Mcquistion East Dam is subject to regular inspections and state regulations to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam boasts an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 1155 cubic feet per second. Moreover, the dam is situated in a moderate risk area, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures and emergency preparedness protocols.

Managed by the St. Paul District of the USACE, Mcquistion East Dam stands as a model for sustainable water infrastructure development. With its strategic location and design, the dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management, climate adaptation, and community resilience. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of dams like Mcquistion East is essential in safeguarding our ecosystems and communities against the challenges of a changing climate.

Year Completed

2004

Dam Length

672

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR. WILLOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

127

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.