Dead Buffalo
Key Takeaway
Dead Buffalo is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1951 and is 75 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 28 ft (taller than 77.7% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 396 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 126 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 108 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 840 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1951 (75 years old) |
| NID ID | SD01195 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
S&PL
State Government
Nearby Dams
Little Pond
Harding, SD
Low Hazard 20 ftStinking Buffalo
Harding, SD
Low Hazard 19 ftDry Hole
Harding, SD
Low Hazard 27 ftLeo Ruona Pond No.1
Harding, SD
Low Hazard 16 ftLemm Dam
Harding, SD
Low Hazard 20 ftSd Noname 231
Harding, SD
Low Hazard 16 ftMaurice Brengle
Harding, SD
Low Hazard 20 ftSd Noname 232
Harding, SD
Low Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Dead Buffalo?
Dead Buffalo 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 Dead Buffalo?
Dead Buffalo is owned by S&PL (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Dead Buffalo built?
Dead Buffalo was completed in 1951, making it 75 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 Dead Buffalo?
Dead Buffalo serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Dead Buffalo?
Dead Buffalo has a dam height of 28 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.
When was Dead Buffalo last inspected?
Dead Buffalo was last inspected on December 18, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.