Cole Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lester Sein South Fork Impoundment
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Cole Dam, located in Perkins, South Dakota, was completed in 1934 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and is owned and regulated by the state.
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Summary
The dam, primarily made of earth with stone core types and soil foundations, stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet. It is situated on the TR-GRAND river/stream and is under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
This low-hazard dam with uncontrolled spillway has a maximum discharge of 240 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 30 feet. Its condition assessment is currently not rated, with the last inspection conducted in November 2018. The risk assessment for Cole Dam is considered moderate, and it has an inspection frequency of 3 years. Despite being a state-regulated structure with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk management measures for the dam are not specified in the available data.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cole Dam offers an intriguing case study of a historic WPA-built structure that continues to provide essential water management functions in South Dakota. With its unique design features and state ownership, this dam serves as a vital component of the local ecosystem and water infrastructure. Monitoring its condition, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness will be crucial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of this important water resource facility.
Year Completed |
1934 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-GRAND |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
135 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Cole Dam