Owanka 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Elmer Olsen Sd Noname 105
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Owanka 1, located in Pennington, South Dakota, is a state-regulated earth dam built in 1935 on the TR-BOXELDER CREEK, with a maximum storage capacity of 257 acre-feet.
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Summary
This low hazard potential dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans a length of 690 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 450 cubic feet per second.
Although Owanka 1 has not been rated for its condition, it undergoes inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities. In case of emergencies, the dam has not prepared an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or updated its inundation maps to outline risk management measures.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Owanka 1 to be an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure management, with its historical significance as one of the early earth dams built in the region. The dam's location on TR-BOXELDER CREEK and its association with the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers present opportunities for further research on its hydrological impact and resilience to changing climate conditions. Understanding the regulatory framework and operational aspects of Owanka 1 can provide valuable insights into sustainable water resource management practices in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
690 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BOXELDER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
257 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Owanka 1