R. Berndt Reservoir Report
Nearby: G.P. Joens Brueschke Dam
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Located in Dewey, South Dakota, R.
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Summary
Berndt is a private dam with a low hazard potential that was completed in 1940. This earth dam stands at 30 feet in height and has a length of 580 feet, providing a storage capacity of 240 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR MOREAU river and falls under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Despite being privately owned, R. Berndt is regulated by the state and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. The dam is equipped with a spillway capable of handling a maximum discharge of 2000 cubic feet per second. While the condition of the dam is currently listed as "Not Rated", its emergency action plan readiness and risk assessment measures are not specified in the available data.
With a long history of service dating back to the mid-20th century, R. Berndt continues to play a vital role in water resource management in the region. Its strategic location and design contribute to flood control, water storage, and environmental protection efforts along the TR MOREAU river, making it a key asset for both local and state stakeholders in South Dakota's water infrastructure system.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
240 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
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.
R. Berndt