W. Peterson Reservoir Report
Nearby: J. Peterson W. Knox
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
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Summary
Peterson, a privately owned dam located in Hyde, South Dakota, stands as a vital structure along the South Chapelle Creek. Built in 1938, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 27 feet and stretches across 1420 feet, providing storage capacity for up to 389 acre-feet of water. Despite its age, W. Peterson maintains a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its overall condition.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, W. Peterson is subject to state regulation and enforcement, ensuring its continued safety and functionality. The dam plays a crucial role in water resource management, with a maximum discharge capacity of 8400 cubic feet per second. While it has not undergone recent inspections or assessments, its historical significance and engineering design contribute to its overall reliability.
With Dusty Johnson (R) representing the area in Congress, W. Peterson remains a significant piece of infrastructure in the region. Its presence highlights the intersection of water resource management and climate considerations, showcasing the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to safeguard against potential risks and ensure sustainable water management practices for the future.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
1420 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH CHAPELLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
389 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
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.
W. Peterson