Knippling Stockwater No.3

TR-MISSOURI· Buffalo, South Dakota· Built 1958· Earth· 25 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Knippling Stockwater No.3 is classified as significant hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 57.4% in SD)
Dam Length455 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage20 acre-ft
Normal Storage14 acre-ft
Max Discharge200 cfs
Year Completed1958 (68 years old)
NID IDSD01357

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

JOE KNIPPLING

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Knippling Stockwater No.3?

Knippling Stockwater No.3 is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Knippling Stockwater No.3?

Knippling Stockwater No.3 is owned by JOE KNIPPLING (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Knippling Stockwater No.3 built?

Knippling Stockwater No.3 was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 Knippling Stockwater No.3?

Knippling Stockwater No.3 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 Knippling Stockwater No.3?

Knippling Stockwater No.3 has a dam height of 25 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.