Harold Hedstron Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cole Dam South Fork Impoundment
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Harold Hedstron is a private earth dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, along the TR Grand River.
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Summary
Constructed in 1954, this dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a length of 650 feet, providing a storage capacity of 156 acre-feet. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Harold Hedstron is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring proper inspection, permitting, and enforcement of state regulations.
With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Harold Hedstron serves as a crucial water management infrastructure in the region. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it continues to play a vital role in flood control and water supply for the surrounding area. The dam is equipped with outlet gates and has a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second, further enhancing its effectiveness in regulating water flow.
Despite its condition assessment status, Harold Hedstron's role in water resource management cannot be understated. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Harold Hedstron will be essential in ensuring sustainable water supply and mitigating the effects of extreme weather events. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Harold Hedstron's design, construction, and operational details to be of great interest in understanding the intersection of infrastructure and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR GRAND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
156 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Harold Hedstron