John Penor Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gary Larson Rowbotham Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
John Penor is a privately owned earth dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, along the TR Moreau River.
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Summary
Built in 1949, this dam stands at 18 feet high and spans 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. Despite its age, John Penor has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. It falls under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Situated in the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, John Penor plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 200 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a flood control structure to protect downstream communities. While the dam has not undergone recent condition assessments or inspections, its emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain undisclosed. The surrounding community can rest assured knowing that John Penor is maintained as a safe and reliable structure for water resource and climate protection.
As a key component of the local water infrastructure, John Penor contributes to the overall water management efforts in Perkins, South Dakota. With its historical significance and continued functionality, this dam serves as a testament to the importance of maintaining and regulating water resources for the benefit of both humans and the environment. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the role that John Penor plays in ensuring water security and mitigating potential risks in the region.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
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.
John Penor