Gerkin Refuge No.3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gerkin Refuge No.1 Gerkin Refuge No.2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Gerkin Refuge No.3, located in Faulk, South Dakota, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1956 with a height of 10 feet and a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet.
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Summary
The dam serves the primary purpose of flood control on the TR SNAKE river/stream, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), the dam is inspected every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Despite being a relatively small dam, Gerkin Refuge No.3 plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 165 cubic feet per second and a normal storage capacity of 88 acre-feet, the dam helps protect nearby communities and agricultural lands from potential flooding events. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and lack of outlet gates suggest a simpler design, yet its effectiveness in flood control is evident through its long-standing service since its completion over six decades ago.
The location of Gerkin Refuge No.3 within the St. Paul District and its oversight by the South Dakota government highlight the collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies to manage water resources and protect local communities from the impacts of climate change. The dam's presence underscores the importance of investing in infrastructure for climate resilience and underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in safeguarding the surrounding area from flood risks.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
780 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
TR SNAKE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James R At Ashton Sd
|
418cfs |
James R Near Redfield Sd
|
468cfs |
James R Near Stratford Sd
|
409cfs |
Foot Creek Near Aberdeen
|
0cfs |
Elm R At Westport Sd
|
12cfs |
James R At Columbia Sd
|
268cfs |
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.
Gerkin Refuge No.3