Fred Hertel Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Fred Hertel, a privately owned dam located in Corson, South Dakota, is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
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Summary
This earth dam was completed in 1970 and stands at a height of 20 feet, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-OAK river system within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite its low hazard potential, Fred Hertel is subject to state regulatory oversight, including permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified in the data, but its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated." Emergency action plans and risk assessments for the dam appear to be incomplete, raising questions about its preparedness for potential hazards.
Given its critical role in water resource management, climate enthusiasts may be interested in monitoring the ongoing oversight and maintenance of Fred Hertel. Understanding the operational and safety features of dams like Fred Hertel is crucial for ensuring the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing climatic conditions and increasing water demands. Further research and updates on the dam's condition assessment and risk management measures could provide valuable insights for stakeholders in the water resource and climate sectors.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
341 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-OAK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Beaver Creek Bl Linton
|
39cfs |
Cannonball River At Breien
|
96cfs |
Cedar Creek Nr Raleigh
|
20cfs |
Cannonball River Nr Raleigh
|
40cfs |
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.
Fred Hertel