W. Venjohn Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Louise Joy Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
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Summary
Venjohn is a privately owned earth dam located in Hand, South Dakota, along Wolf Creek. Built in 1950 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet. Despite its age, W. Venjohn has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.
This dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, with a maximum discharge capacity of 525 cubic feet per second. While it has not been recently inspected, W. Venjohn is regulated and permitted by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring its compliance with state standards. The dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control and water supply, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring its condition.
With its strategic location and role in mitigating potential water-related risks, W. Venjohn represents a significant asset in the region's water resource infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper management and upkeep of dams like W. Venjohn will be essential in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of the local water supply system.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
WOLF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
95 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James R Near Redfield Sd
|
468cfs |
James R At Ashton Sd
|
418cfs |
James R At Huron Sd
|
548cfs |
James R Near Stratford Sd
|
409cfs |
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. Venjohn