Kirk Cordes Reservoir Report
Nearby: Harold Severson Jerry Willuweit
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Kirk Cordes is a privately owned earth dam located in Pennington, South Dakota, along the TR Cheyenne River.
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Summary
Built in 1943 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a length of 600 feet, providing a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Kirk Cordes plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Kirk Cordes is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite not having a designated primary purpose specified, this dam serves as a vital structure for flood control, water supply, and environmental protection in the area. Its location within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers further underscores its significance in the overall water infrastructure network.
While lacking detailed information on emergency action plans, risk assessments, and mitigation measures, Kirk Cordes remains a key component of the local water resource management strategy. As a climate enthusiast, understanding the importance of maintaining and safeguarding dams like Kirk Cordes is essential for ensuring sustainable water availability and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1943 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
130 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
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