Gene Rock Reservoir Report
Nearby: Joe Mangin Vogel/Sautner Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Gene Rock is a privately owned earth dam located in Potter, South Dakota.
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Summary
Constructed in 1948, this dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 615 feet, providing a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet. Despite being non-federal, Gene Rock is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Gene Rock serves the primary purpose of water resource management in the region. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 1575 cubic feet per second and a normal storage capacity of 96 acre-feet, making it an essential component in the local water infrastructure. The dam is located within the St. Paul District and falls under the jurisdiction of the state of South Dakota, ensuring proper oversight and management of its operations.
While Gene Rock does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared or updated, its risk assessment and management measures remain unspecified. Nevertheless, with its strategic location and vital role in water storage and regulation, Gene Rock stands as a key structure in the region's water resource management efforts, catering to the needs of both agricultural and domestic water users in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
615 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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 |
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.
Gene Rock