Nelson Dam

TR MOREAU RIVER· Harding, South Dakota· Built 1956· Earth· 23 ft tall
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Nelson Dam is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 49.8% in SD)
Dam Length1,050 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage350 acre-ft
Normal Storage276 acre-ft
Surface Area46 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge2,240 cfs
Year Completed1956 (70 years old)
Year Modified1998
NID IDSD01959

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
Last Inspection: August 31, 1999
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

LARRY NELSON

Private

Nearby Dams

Latham Dam

Harding, SD

Low Hazard 20 ft

Homer Faeller

Harding, SD

Low Hazard 14 ft

Moreau Shed Dam

Harding, SD

Low Hazard 13 ft

Alkali Creek Dam

Butte, SD

Low Hazard

Leger Irrigation

Harding, SD

Low Hazard 28 ft

Collins No.2

Harding, SD

Low Hazard 21 ft

Collins No.1

Harding, SD

Low Hazard 23 ft

Leger East

Harding, SD

Low Hazard 20 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Nelson Dam?

Nelson Dam 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 Nelson Dam?

Nelson Dam is owned by LARRY NELSON (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Nelson Dam built?

Nelson Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Nelson Dam?

Nelson Dam 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 Nelson Dam?

Nelson Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Nelson Dam last inspected?

Nelson Dam was last inspected on August 31, 1999. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

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.