Jensen No. 6 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jensen Number 5 Jensen Number 7
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Jensen No.
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Summary
6 is a privately owned dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the Tributary of Cottonwood Creek. Built in 1969, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a storage capacity of 16 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge rate of 375 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential and current condition being rated as "Not Rated", the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement.
Situated within the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Jensen No. 6 plays a role in water resource management and flood control in the region. With its primary purpose and associated structures not specified, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for the local community. Although lacking detailed information on emergency action plans and risk assessments, the dam's operational history and compliance with regulatory standards highlight its significance in ensuring water security and climate resilience in the area.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Jensen No. 6 become crucial for adapting to changing environmental conditions. By staying abreast of regulatory requirements and implementing necessary risk management measures, stakeholders can mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the dam's integrity for the long term. In a landscape where water scarcity and extreme weather events pose significant challenges, the role of dams in ensuring sustainable water management and climate resilience cannot be overstated.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB-COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Jensen No. 6