Quinn Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Tennyson Dam Joe Papousek
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Quinn Dam is a private-owned structure located in Pennington, South Dakota, on the TR-Bad River.
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Summary
Completed in 1937, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a length of 1040 feet. With a NID storage capacity of 865 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 284 acre-feet, Quinn Dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and storage in the area.
Despite being a low hazard potential structure, Quinn Dam is state-regulated and subject to inspections, permitting, and enforcement by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment since its last inspection in 1986. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1770 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control and water resource management in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Quinn Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and engineering of water infrastructure in South Dakota. As a key component in the region's water management system, the dam continues to play a crucial role in maintaining water supply, regulating flow, and mitigating flood risks. Its strategic location on the TR-Bad River underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
1040 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
865 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cheyenne River Near Wasta
|
190cfs |
South Fork Bad R Near Cottonwood Sd
|
0cfs |
White R Near Interior Sd
|
50cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
White R Near Kadoka Sd
|
73cfs |
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.
Quinn Dam