Finley Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Finley Dam, located in Hughes, South Dakota, along the TR MEDICINE CREEK, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2005 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
With a height of 22 feet and a storage capacity of 122 acre-feet, the dam serves to regulate water flow and provide flood control to the surrounding area. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1350 cubic feet per second. While the dam is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, it poses a moderate risk (level 3) due to its age and potential for failure. The risk management measures and emergency action plan for the dam are not currently documented, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this critical water resource infrastructure. Water resource and climate enthusiasts are encouraged to stay informed about the status of Finley Dam and advocate for its ongoing maintenance and safety measures to protect the local community and environment.
Year Completed |
2005 |
Dam Length |
430 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR MEDICINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
122 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
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.
Finley Dam