Jake Kern Reservoir Report
Nearby: Alfred Cowan Lester Hetzel
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Jake Kern is a privately owned earth dam located in Corson, South Dakota, along the TR-Cottonwood Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1941, this dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a storage capacity of 92 acre-feet. Despite its age, Jake Kern is in good condition with a low hazard potential and has not been officially rated for its current condition.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Jake Kern is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement. The dam has the capacity to handle a maximum discharge of 2100 cubic feet per second and serves as a vital resource for water storage in the area. It is situated in a remote location in the city of Bullhead, and its primary purpose and associated structures are not specified in the available data.
While there are no detailed records of recent inspections or emergency preparedness measures for Jake Kern, the dam remains a stable structure with a history of providing essential water resource management services in the region. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Jake Kern continues to play a crucial role in supporting the surrounding community and ecosystem, particularly in the management of water resources and climate-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
417 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
92 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Jake Kern