Williams Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Williams Dam, located in Bon Homme, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 2009 by the NRCS.
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Summary
With a height of 24 feet and a length of 380 feet, the dam serves the primary purpose of water storage along the Choteau Creek-TR. It has a maximum storage capacity of 69 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 27 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge rate of 850 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as low-hazard potential and having a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Williams Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has no outlet gates. While its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam has not undergone any modifications since its completion. Emergency action plans and inundation maps for the dam have not been prepared or updated, raising some concerns about the readiness for potential emergencies.
Williams Dam, part of the St. Paul District under Congressional District 00 in South Dakota, stands as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the region. Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate should keep an eye on the developments and maintenance of Williams Dam to ensure its continued safety and functionality for the surrounding community and environment.
Year Completed |
2009 |
Dam Length |
380 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
Choteau Creek-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
69 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Ponca Creek At Verdel
|
23cfs |
Bazile Creek Near Niobrara
|
192cfs |
Niobrara River Nr. Verdel
|
517cfs |
Verdigre C Nr Verdigre
|
206cfs |
Bazile Creek At Center
|
85cfs |
James R Near Scotland Sd
|
706cfs |
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.
Williams Dam