Quinn Twp Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Donald Kelly Dam Tennyson Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Quinn Twp Dam, located in Pennington, South Dakota, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1935 with a height of 16 feet and a length of 800 feet.
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Summary
Situated on the TR-Bad River, this dam serves the primary purpose of providing water storage with a capacity of 217 acre-feet and a normal storage of 77 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment.
Although Quinn Twp Dam has not been modified in recent years, it undergoes inspections every three years, with the last inspection conducted in October 2017. The dam, under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is equipped to handle a maximum discharge of 1500 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, Quinn Twp Dam continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential risks in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Quinn Twp Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and infrastructure of water management in South Dakota. Its location on the TR-Bad River, association with state regulatory agencies, and low hazard potential make it a noteworthy structure worth studying in the context of water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
217 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Quinn Twp Dam