Besler Dam #2

TRIB. RABBIT CREEK· Perkins, South Dakota· Built 1960· Earth· 16 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Besler Dam #2 is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 15.7% in SD)
Dam Length582 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage204 acre-ft
Normal Storage104 acre-ft
Surface Area22 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge810 cfs
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
Year Modified2000
NID IDSD02455

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

WAYNE BESLER

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Besler Dam #2?

Besler Dam #2 is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Besler Dam #2?

Besler Dam #2 is owned by WAYNE BESLER (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Besler Dam #2 built?

Besler Dam #2 was completed in 1960, making it 66 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Besler Dam #2?

Besler Dam #2 serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Besler Dam #2?

Besler Dam #2 has a dam height of 16 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.