Ben Clark Reservoir Report
Nearby: Martin Sander George Clark
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Ben Clark is a privately owned earth dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, on the TR Moreau River.
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Summary
Constructed in 1955 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. It serves the primary purpose of water resource management and is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Despite its age, Ben Clark has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of yet. The dam has not undergone any recent inspections or assessments, but it is regularly permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state regulatory agency. With a maximum discharge capacity of 150 cubic feet per second, Ben Clark plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply management in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ben Clark serves as a vital infrastructure for managing water resources in Perkins, South Dakota. With its strategic location on the TR Moreau River and its low hazard potential, this earth dam provides essential flood control and water storage capabilities for the surrounding area. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, dams like Ben Clark will become increasingly important for ensuring sustainable water management practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Ben Clark