Lavon Shearer Reservoir Report
Nearby: Theodore Kjerstad Sd Noname 36
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Lavon Shearer is a privately owned dam located in Pennington, South Dakota, with a low hazard potential and a "Not Rated" condition assessment.
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Summary
Built in 1937, this Earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 415 feet, providing a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Lavon Shearer serves the primary purpose of offstream water storage for the TR Cheyenne River. Although not associated with any other structures, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2535 cubic feet per second, Lavon Shearer demonstrates its significance in flood control and water supply management for the surrounding area. Despite its age, the dam continues to contribute to the overall water management efforts in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
415 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Lavon Shearer