Oscar-Orwick Reservoir Report
Nearby: Christ Orwick Miller Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Oscar-Orwick, a privately owned dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, was completed in 1958 and stands as a vital water resource structure along the TR-Moreau River.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and stretches 400 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. While its primary purpose is not specified, the dam's low hazard potential and "Not Rated" condition assessment point towards a structure that is well-maintained and poses minimal risk to the surrounding area.
Situated within the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Oscar-Orwick is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a crucial component of the local water management system. Despite lacking detailed information on its design and construction, the dam's operational history suggests a reliable water storage infrastructure that contributes to the overall water resource management efforts in the region.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the presence of well-regulated and maintained structures like Oscar-Orwick becomes increasingly important. With its strategic location on the TR-Moreau River and its significant storage capacity, this privately owned dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks, maintaining water supply, and ensuring the overall resilience of the local water system in Perkins, South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MOREAU RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Oscar-Orwick