Kirk Cordes Reservoir Report
Nearby: Harold Severson Sd Noname 179
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Kirk Cordes is a privately owned earth dam located in Pennington, South Dakota, along the Cheyenne River.
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Summary
Built in 1950, this dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. It serves the primary purpose of water resource management and is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kirk Cordes has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as 'Not Rated' in terms of its condition assessment. While it has not been inspected in recent years, the dam is equipped with state-permitted outlets and inspections, as well as enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite its age, Kirk Cordes continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
With a maximum discharge capacity of 3,600 cubic feet per second, Kirk Cordes is designed to mitigate flooding risks and maintain water levels for agricultural and environmental purposes. The dam has not undergone significant modifications over the years and does not have an Emergency Action Plan prepared. Although it meets regulatory guidelines and has a designated regulatory agency overseeing its operations, the dam's risk assessment and management measures remain unspecified. As an essential infrastructure for water resource management in South Dakota, Kirk Cordes stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical dams for climate resilience and water sustainability.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
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