Jensen Number 8 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jensen Number 1 Jensen Number 5
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Jensen Number 8 is a privately owned earth dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the TR Cottwood Offstream.
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Summary
Built in 1962 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at 30 feet high and spans 596 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 44 acre-feet. Despite its age, Jensen Number 8 remains in good condition and is classified as having a low hazard potential.
The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The primary purpose of Jensen Number 8 is not specified, but its construction and design by a federal agency highlight the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1450 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage for the surrounding area.
As a key infrastructure for water management in South Dakota, Jensen Number 8 serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private and federal entities to safeguard water resources. With its solid construction, low hazard potential, and state regulation in place, this dam stands as a reliable structure contributing to the overall resilience of the region's water supply and climate adaptation efforts.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
596 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR COTTWOOD OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
44 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
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 Number 8