Otto Dietterle Reservoir Report
Nearby: Texley East Peck Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Otto Dietterle, a private dam located in Corson, South Dakota, is a vital structure regulating the flow of the TR-BLACK HORSE CREEK.
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Summary
Completed in 1938, this earth dam stands 16 feet tall and spans 420 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 168 acre-feet. Despite its age, Otto Dietterle remains in good condition with a low hazard potential and is not currently rated for its overall condition.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Otto Dietterle is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement measures to ensure its safe operation and compliance. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2010 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and managing water resources in the region. Although not associated with any federal agencies, Otto Dietterle continues to serve its primary purpose effectively.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Otto Dietterle offers an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam in South Dakota, showcasing the importance of state regulation and maintenance in ensuring the safety and functionality of critical water infrastructure. With its historical significance, structural features, and operational capacity, Otto Dietterle stands as a testament to the engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship that shape our interactions with water resources and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACK HORSE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
168 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Otto Dietterle