Tekakwitha Reservoir Report
Nearby: Waletich Dam Kriz Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Tekakwitha is a privately owned dam located in Roberts, South Dakota, along the TR-Upper Little Minnesota River.
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Summary
Built in 1964 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a storage capacity of 186 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that has not been rated, Tekakwitha serves as a vital structure for water resource management in the area.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Tekakwitha is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Although the dam has not been recently inspected and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures, it continues to play a crucial role in flood control and water supply for the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 468 cubic feet per second, Tekakwitha is designed to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities.
Situated in a picturesque location in Roberts County, Tekakwitha showcases the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Tekakwitha play a vital role in adaptation and resilience efforts. With its history of construction and maintenance by federal and state agencies, Tekakwitha stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-UPPER LITTLE MINNESOTA |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
186 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Tekakwitha