Rausch Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lathum Dam Loyalton (Stafford)
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Rausch Dam, located in Faulk County, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure that serves as a critical water resource for the area.
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Summary
The dam, designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1999, stands at a height of 10 feet and has a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet. Situated on the TR Clark Lake tributary, the dam plays a vital role in regulating water flow and managing the drainage area of 4 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, Rausch Dam is under the regulatory oversight of the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The dam's spillway, with a width of 78 feet, is of the uncontrolled type, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 1350 cubic feet per second. While the dam's condition is currently rated as "Not Rated," its risk assessment is categorized as moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management measures to ensure its safety and functionality.
Although the dam does not have associated emergency action plans or inundation maps prepared, its strategic location and design contribute to the overall water resource management in the region. With its modest storage capacity and moderate risk level, Rausch Dam represents a significant piece of infrastructure in the local hydrological system and underscores the importance of proactive maintenance and oversight in safeguarding water resources and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1999 |
Dam Length |
162 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
TR CLARK LAKE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
165 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James R At Ashton Sd
|
418cfs |
Foot Creek Near Aberdeen
|
0cfs |
James R Near Redfield Sd
|
468cfs |
James R Near Stratford Sd
|
409cfs |
Elm R At Westport Sd
|
12cfs |
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.
Rausch Dam