Kirk Cordes Reservoir Report
Nearby: Harold Severson Jerry Willuweit
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Kirk Cordes is a private earth dam located in Pennington, South Dakota, along the TR Cheyenne River.
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Summary
Built in 1953, this dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 370 feet, providing a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kirk Cordes has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. While it does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place, the dam's risk assessment, hazard potential, and emergency response preparedness remain unclear. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is recorded at 1875 cubic feet per second, making it essential to monitor its structural integrity and maintenance regularly.
With its tranquil setting and vital role in regulating water flow along the TR Cheyenne River, Kirk Cordes serves as a noteworthy example of water resource management in South Dakota. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the historical significance and practical functions of this earth dam, as well as the ongoing efforts to ensure its safety and effectiveness in mitigating potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
370 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Kirk Cordes