Cope Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pettegrew Pond No.1 Sd Noname 134
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Cope Dam, located in Fall River, South Dakota, on TR-HORSEHEAD CREEK, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1941.
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Summary
With a height of 27 feet and a length of 650 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 660 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition assessment.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cope Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, providing vital storage for agricultural, recreational, and environmental purposes. While the dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected, its emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently unavailable. Nevertheless, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively, contributing to the overall water management strategy in South Dakota.
As a significant component of the local water infrastructure, Cope Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable dam operations in the face of changing climatic conditions. With its strategic location and operational history, the dam represents a vital resource for water enthusiasts and climate advocates interested in the intersection of water management and environmental conservation in the region.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-HORSEHEAD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
108 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Cope Dam