Lenard Chapman Reservoir Report
Nearby: Joe Wunder Gary Larson Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Lenard Chapman is a private earth dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, with a low hazard potential.
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Summary
Completed in 1955, this dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 250 feet, providing a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Lenard Chapman is not specified, but it is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular state inspection, permitting, and enforcement.
Situated on the TR Moreau River within the St. Paul District, Lenard Chapman is owned privately and falls under state jurisdiction. Despite being not rated for condition assessment, this dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared. With a maximum discharge capacity of 200 cubic feet per second, Lenard Chapman remains a vital structure for water resource management in the area, even though it is not associated with any federal agencies or funding.
Overall, Lenard Chapman serves as a notable feature in the local water infrastructure, contributing to the regulation of water flow in the TR Moreau River. While its condition assessment remains pending, the dam's low hazard potential suggests that it continues to play a significant role in water resource management in Perkins, South Dakota. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find interest in the structural details and operational aspects of Lenard Chapman, as it reflects the ongoing efforts to maintain safety and efficiency in dam management within the state.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
250 |
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.
Lenard Chapman