C. Peterson No.1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

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Summary

Peterson No.1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Dewey, South Dakota, along the TR MOREAU river. Completed in 1945, this dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, C. Peterson No.1 serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area, with a normal storage capacity of 56 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified, but its maximum discharge capacity is recorded at 800 cubic feet per second. Although the dam's condition is currently rated as "Not Rated," its operational integrity and safety are ensured through regular state inspections and enforcement measures.

The dam's location in La Plant, South Dakota, and its affiliation with the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers make it a significant landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As it continues to provide essential water storage and flood control benefits to the region, C. Peterson No.1 stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR MOREAU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

150

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.