Fairview Ranch Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Grady Wilson Jr. Mark Fisher Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Fairview Ranch Dam, also known as Haines Dam, is a private-owned earth dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, along the TR.MOREAU River.
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Summary
Built in 2004 by USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 27 feet high and stretches 249 feet in length, providing storage capacity of 240 acre-feet. While the primary purpose of Fairview Ranch Dam is not specified, it serves as a crucial water resource management structure in the region, with a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Fairview Ranch Dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected for safety and compliance. Despite being uncontrolled, the dam features a 40-foot wide spillway to manage potential overflow. The dam's condition is currently not rated, but with a history of inspection dating back to October 2005, it remains a key component of the local water infrastructure. The dam's location within the St. Paul District of the USACE signifies its importance in flood control and water supply management for the area.
Fairview Ranch Dam's association with the TR.MOREAU River and its contribution to the local drainage area of 2 square miles highlight its significance in water resource management. With a capacity to handle a maximum discharge of 703 cubic feet per second, this earth dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability for agricultural and environmental needs in Perkins, South Dakota. As a key structure in the region's water infrastructure, Fairview Ranch Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
2004 |
Dam Length |
249 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR.MOREAU RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
240 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Fairview Ranch Dam