Bietelspacher Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: A. Holzwarth Calvin Ballensky
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Bietelspacher Dam, located in Walworth, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2011.
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Summary
With a height of 16 feet and a length of 615 feet, the dam serves the primary purpose of water storage on TR Swan Creek. It has a maximum storage capacity of 209 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, providing vital water resources for the surrounding area.
The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 100 feet wide, helps manage excess water flow during periods of high discharge, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1090 cubic feet per second. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet having a condition assessment, the dam's risk assessment is moderate. This signifies the importance of regular inspections and potential risk management measures to ensure the dam's safety and effectiveness for water resource management in the region.
Bietelspacher Dam stands as a significant infrastructure project in South Dakota, playing a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. As enthusiasts in the field, understanding the dam's design, capacity, and risk assessment can provide valuable insights into its impact on the local ecosystem and community. With its completion in 2011 and ongoing regulatory oversight by DENR, the dam serves as a key component in supporting the region's water needs and enhancing its resilience to changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
2011 |
Dam Length |
615 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR SWAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
209 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
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.
Bietelspacher Dam