Tornow Number 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Tornow No. 2 Brost Number 6
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Tornow Number 1 is a privately owned dam located in Jones, South Dakota, along the TR-Whiteriver.
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Summary
Built in 1969, this earth dam stands at 27 feet high and stretches 431 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Tornow Number 1 plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control within the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2100 cubic feet per second, the dam helps mitigate the risk of flooding and ensures the normal storage of 38 acre-feet for agricultural and environmental needs. Although its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for the local community and wildlife habitat.
As a significant structure in the St. Paul District, Tornow Number 1 stands as a testament to responsible water resource management and climate resilience efforts in South Dakota. With its strategic location and functional design, the dam contributes to the overall environmental sustainability and water security of the region, underlining the importance of maintaining and monitoring such critical infrastructure for the benefit of present and future generations.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
431 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WHITERIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
61 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Tornow Number 1