Gerald Martian Reservoir Report
Nearby: Chris Mehloff Standing Rock Tribe
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Gerald Martian is a privately owned earth dam located in Corson, South Dakota, along the TR-GRAND river stream.
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Summary
Built in 1934, this dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a storage capacity of 418 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 238 acre-feet. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite its age, Gerald Martian has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 1248 cubic feet per second and has not been modified in recent years. While it does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, the dam is in compliance with state jurisdiction and regulatory requirements. The dam is situated in a relatively remote area with limited associated structures and is managed privately.
As a water resource and climate enthusiast, the Gerald Martian dam presents an intriguing case study in the management of older infrastructure for water storage and flood control purposes. Its location in a sparsely populated area and the lack of recent modifications or assessments raise questions about its long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of changing climate patterns and increased demands on water resources. Further research and monitoring of this dam could provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in maintaining and improving aging water infrastructure in the face of climate change.
Year Completed |
1934 |
Dam Length |
440 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-GRAND |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
418 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Cedar Creek Nr Raleigh
|
20cfs |
Cannonball River Nr Raleigh
|
40cfs |
Cannonball River At Breien
|
96cfs |
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.
Gerald Martian