Pierce Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lnot Ratedz Gordon Babcock
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Pierce Dam is a state-owned structure located in Pennington, South Dakota, along the TR-CHEYENNE river.
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Summary
Completed in 1935, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 500 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 440 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated", the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its age, Pierce Dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management within the region. With a normal storage capacity of 266 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 4500 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control, irrigation, and water supply purposes. Although the dam's exact primary purpose is unspecified, its presence contributes significantly to the overall water management efforts in the area.
Even though the dam's condition assessment is not rated, regular inspections are conducted every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a designated emergency action plan and low hazard potential, Pierce Dam remains a key asset in the region's water resource infrastructure, meeting regulatory guidelines and serving as a vital component in the management of water resources and climate-related challenges in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
440 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Pierce Dam