Ernest Kolb Reservoir Report
Nearby: G.M. Strand Richard Woll
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ernest Kolb is a privately-owned Earth dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, along the TR Moreau River.
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Summary
Constructed in 1958 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 18 feet and spans a length of 700 feet, providing a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Ernest Kolb serves as a vital component in managing the water resources of the area, with a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, it is part of the state's jurisdiction and undergoes routine inspections to monitor its structural integrity. With a primary purpose that is not explicitly defined, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control efforts in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and regulating such infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and water availability.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Ernest Kolb offers valuable insights into the management and regulation of essential infrastructure for safeguarding water resources. With a focus on safety and compliance, the dam's presence underscores the need for proactive measures to address the challenges posed by a changing climate and ensure sustainable water management practices. By understanding the significance of dams like Ernest Kolb in the broader context of water resource management, enthusiasts can appreciate the intricate interplay between infrastructure, regulation, and environmental stewardship in mitigating the impacts of climate change on water availability and resilience.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
77 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Ernest Kolb