Gary Ham Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lundren 2 Bobby Peters 2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Gary Ham Dam, located in Butte, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam designed by USDA NRCS with a height of 26 feet and a length of 437 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 2002, this dam on TR. Mud Elm Creek has a storage capacity of 400 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1080 cubic feet per second. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled and 80 feet wide, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
Owned by a private entity, Gary Ham Dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Despite being not rated in terms of condition assessment, the dam meets guidelines for emergency action plans and has not been modified since its completion. The dam is situated in a picturesque location with a relatively small drainage area of 1 square mile, making it a vital water resource for the surrounding community and ecosystem.
With its strategic location and essential role in water management, Gary Ham Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood control and water conservation in Butte, South Dakota. As a key component in the local water supply system, this dam plays a significant role in mitigating the risks associated with potential emergencies and ensuring the sustainable use of water resources in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the maintenance and management of Gary Ham Dam are essential to preserving the environmental and socioeconomic benefits it provides to the community.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
437 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR. MUD ELM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
400 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Gary Ham Dam