Jay Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jay A. Lake No.3 Jay A. Lake No.2
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Jay Lake, located in Potter, South Dakota, is a privately owned dam that serves as a vital water resource in the region.
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Summary
Built in 1946, this earth dam stands at 29 feet high and stretches 300 feet in length, providing storage capacity of 46 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to regulate flow and provide water for irrigation, with a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Jay Lake plays a crucial role in water management for the area. Situated on TR-Cheyenne Creek, this dam helps control water levels and discharge rates, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem. With state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, Jay Lake stands as a testament to responsible water resource management in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1946 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHEYENNE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Nid Storage |
46 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
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.
Jay Lake