Sonnenschein Number 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mcquistion East Dam Bob Stoeser Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sonnenschein Number 1 is a privately owned dam located in Fort Pierre, South Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans 1042 feet along the Willow Creek Tributary. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam has a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1820 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, Sonnenschein Number 1 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The dam is designed to control water flow and provide irrigation for agricultural purposes in the area. While its condition has not been officially assessed, the dam remains operational and contributes to the local water resource management efforts.
With its strategic location and functional design, Sonnenschein Number 1 plays a vital role in water conservation and flood control in Stanley County, South Dakota. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like this earth dam are essential for sustainable water management practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1042 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
WILLOW CREEK TRIBUTARY |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Sonnenschein Number 1