Browns Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jacobi Dam Alcorn
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Browns Pond Dam, located in Harding, South Dakota, is a federal-owned structure managed by the Forest Service for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 21 feet and a length of 850 feet, this earth dam was completed in 1962 and has a maximum storage capacity of 352 acre-feet. The dam controls the flow of Campbell Creek and has a low hazard potential, classified as "Moderate (3)" in terms of risk assessment.
Despite being unregulated by the state, Browns Pond Dam is regularly inspected, with the last inspection conducted in June 2016. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet and is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 1550 cubic feet per second. With a surface area of 42 acres and a drainage area of 12.7 square miles, Browns Pond Dam plays a crucial role in water management for the surrounding area. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering and operational details of this key infrastructure in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
850 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
CAMPBELL CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
42 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
12.7 |
Nid Storage |
352 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Browns Pond Dam