Sage Creek 344 Reservoir Report
Nearby: William Huether Canata East 302
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Sage Creek 344 is a federal-owned earth dam located in Pennington, South Dakota, with a primary purpose that remains unspecified.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1937, this dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans a length of 420 feet, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Situated on Dry Draw, this structure serves as a vital water resource within the region, providing essential water management and flood control capabilities.
Despite its age, Sage Creek 344 is classified as having a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. The last inspection of the dam took place in May 1978, highlighting a need for updated evaluations and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness. With a maximum discharge capacity of 540 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage for the surrounding area.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and monitoring of structures like Sage Creek 344 become increasingly important. With no state regulation or permitting in place, the responsibility falls on federal agencies to ensure the proper management and upkeep of this essential water management system. It is imperative that proactive measures are taken to safeguard this dam and its surrounding ecosystem for the benefit of both local communities and the environment.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
DRY DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Near Interior Sd
|
50cfs |
Cheyenne River Near Wasta
|
190cfs |
Bear In The Lodge Cr Near Wanblee Sd
|
10cfs |
Cheyenne River At Redshirt
|
311cfs |
Battle Cr Below Hermosa Sd
|
8cfs |
Rapid Cr Near Farmingdale Sd
|
53cfs |
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.
Sage Creek 344