Dale & Leonard Eriksen Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Dale & Leonard Eriksen is a private-owned dam located in Potter, South Dakota, with a construction completion date of 1952.
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Summary
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 626 feet, providing a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-MISSONot RatedI river or stream, this dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow, with a maximum discharge of 1080 cfs.
Despite its age, Dale & Leonard Eriksen maintains a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition. The dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. While the dam has not undergone recent inspections or assessments, it continues to serve its primary purpose of water resource management effectively. With its location in a rural area and minimal surrounding infrastructure, the dam's impact on the environment and surrounding communities is likely limited.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dale & Leonard Eriksen offers a glimpse into the historical development of water infrastructure in South Dakota. As a privately owned structure with state oversight, this dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between private landowners and regulatory agencies to maintain water security in the region. The dam's low hazard potential and unassessed condition present an opportunity for further evaluation and potential upgrades to ensure its long-term functionality and resilience in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource demands.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
626 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
110 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
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.
Dale & Leonard Eriksen