Paulsen Reservoir Report
Nearby: South Okreek Sully 2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Paulsen, a private water resource in South Dakota, is a significant dam with a hydraulic height of 19 feet and a length of 295 feet, providing a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet.
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Summary
Located on the TR Oak Creek river in Todd County, Paulsen is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, with no information available on its last inspection date or frequency.
Owned and operated by a private entity, Paulsen poses a moderate risk level of 3 out of 5, with no specific risk management measures outlined. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status, inundation maps, and other critical emergency preparedness details are also not available. With a notable spillway width of 100 feet and a location in OKREEK, Paulsen falls under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers but is not managed or funded by any federal agency. Despite its potential risks, Paulsen remains a key water resource structure in the region for both water supply and flood control purposes.
Dam Length |
295 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR OAK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
74 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Little White R Near Rosebud Sd
|
96cfs |
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
Niobrara River Near Sparks
|
969cfs |
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
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.
Paulsen