Bien Dam No. 2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bien Dam Ringer Wpa
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Bien Dam No.
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Summary
2, located in Marshall, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2010 with a height of 9 feet and a length of 155 feet. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 277 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of water resource management on TR Wild Rice Creek. This structure is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
Despite being classified as low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment, Bien Dam No. 2 has not been rated for its condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet and no outlet gates. While the structure has not been modified in recent years, it is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor its condition and risk management measures, especially given its location in a potentially flood-prone area. With a drainage area of 1 square mile and a maximum discharge of 295 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage in the region.
Year Completed |
2010 |
Dam Length |
155 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
TR WILD RICE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
277 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wild Rice River Nr Rutland
|
21cfs |
Little Minnesota River Near Peever
|
27cfs |
James River At Nd-Sd State Line
|
194cfs |
Bear Creek Nr Oakes
|
5cfs |
Bois De Sioux River Near White Rock
|
116cfs |
James R At Columbia Sd
|
268cfs |
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.
Bien Dam No. 2