C. Peterson No.3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: C. Peterson No.2 R. Bartels No.1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
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Summary
Peterson No.3 is a privately owned earth dam located in Dewey County, South Dakota, along the TR Moreau river. Completed in 1940, this structure stands at a height of 22 feet and has a storage capacity of 330 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), C. Peterson No.3 is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Although the dam has not been officially assessed for its emergency action plan or inundation maps, it meets state jurisdiction requirements and is equipped with outlet gates for water release control. The dam is situated in the St. Paul District and falls under the representation of Congressman Dusty Johnson.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, C. Peterson No.3 serves as a noteworthy example of historical dam infrastructure in South Dakota. With its construction dating back over 80 years, this earth dam continues to play a role in water management along the TR Moreau river. While it may not have undergone recent assessments, its compliance with state regulations and low hazard potential highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and effectiveness of such vital water structures.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
330 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
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.
C. Peterson No.3