Jake Kern Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lester Hetzel Richard Cobb
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Jake Kern is a privately owned Earth dam located in Bullhead, South Dakota, with a height of 19 feet and a length of 600 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1941, this dam serves the primary purpose of water resource management along the TR-Cottonwood Creek. With a storage capacity of 114 acre-feet, Jake Kern has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Jake Kern is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Situated within Corson County, this dam falls under the jurisdiction of Dusty Johnson (R), the representative for South Dakota's congressional district. Despite not being owned or funded by federal agencies, Jake Kern plays a vital role in maintaining water levels and ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding communities.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Jake Kern represents a significant infrastructure for water management in South Dakota. With a long history dating back to its completion in 1941, this privately owned Earth dam continues to provide essential services for the local area. As a key component in the state's regulatory framework, Jake Kern serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring our water resources to mitigate potential risks and ensure sustainable management practices for the future.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
114 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
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