Gerkin Refuge No.2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gerkin Refuge No.1 Gerkin Refuge No.3
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Faulk, South Dakota, Gerkin Refuge No.2 is a state-regulated Earth dam built in 1956 by GF&P for the primary purpose of water resource management.
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Summary
With a dam height of 15 feet and a length of 495 feet, the structure has a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2025 cubic feet per second. The dam, situated on the TR SNAKE river, serves as a vital component of the local water infrastructure, ensuring a reliable water supply for the surrounding area.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Gerkin Refuge No.2 has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam is inspected every three years, with the last inspection conducted in November 2019. In case of emergencies, the dam does not have outlet gates, but its uncontrolled spillway is designed to manage excess water flow effectively. While the condition assessment is pending, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such critical infrastructure for the well-being of the environment and local communities.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
495 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR SNAKE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James R At Ashton Sd
|
418cfs |
James R Near Redfield Sd
|
468cfs |
James R Near Stratford Sd
|
409cfs |
Foot Creek Near Aberdeen
|
0cfs |
Elm R At Westport Sd
|
12cfs |
James R At Columbia Sd
|
268cfs |
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.
Gerkin Refuge No.2