Lester Hetzel Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bill Bnot Ratedess James Petik No.2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Lester Hetzel, located in Corson, South Dakota, is a privately owned dam regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
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Summary
Built in 1948, this earth dam stands at 16 feet high and spans 610 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 81 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of water resource management, specifically on the TR-WILLOW river or stream.
Maintaining a low hazard potential, Lester Hetzel has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite this, the dam is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1612 cubic feet per second, Lester Hetzel plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the region, especially during times of heavy rainfall or flooding.
Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of Lester Hetzel in South Dakota's water infrastructure. As a key component in the state's regulatory framework, this dam serves as a vital resource for water storage and flood control in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water resources.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
610 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WILLOW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
81 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Lester Hetzel