Porter Cottonwood Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pfister Pond #1 Pfister Pond #2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Porter Cottonwood Dam, located in Fall River, South Dakota, was completed in 1914 and stands as a private earth dam along the tributary Cheyenne River.
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Summary
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam has a height of 28 feet and a length of 1275 feet, providing a storage capacity of 448 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated," Porter Cottonwood Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Despite its age, Porter Cottonwood Dam continues to be regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by relevant state agencies, ensuring its safety and functionality. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 1950 cubic feet per second, serving as a vital structure for flood control and water supply management. While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment details are currently unavailable, its presence and operation contribute significantly to the local water resource infrastructure.
With its historical significance and ongoing role in water management, Porter Cottonwood Dam serves as a key component in the conservation and regulation of water resources in South Dakota. As climate change impacts water availability and quality, maintaining and monitoring structures like this dam becomes increasingly important for ensuring the region's resilience to future challenges.
Year Completed |
1914 |
Dam Length |
1275 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY CHEYENNE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
448 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Porter Cottonwood Dam