Elmer Olsen Reservoir Report
Nearby: Owanka 1 Wicksville 1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Elmer Olsen is a privately owned dam located in Pennington, South Dakota, along the TR-BOXELDER CREEK.
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Summary
Completed in 1940, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 378 feet. With a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1300 cubic feet per second, Elmer Olsen serves as a crucial water resource in the region. Despite being classified as low-hazard and not having a condition assessment rating, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures.
Elmer Olsen's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified in the data, but its location and ownership by private individuals highlight the importance of private investments in water resource management. The dam's proximity to the state-regulated TR-BOXELDER CREEK underscores its significance in managing water levels and preventing flooding in the area. The dam's compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements further demonstrate a commitment to maintaining safety standards and protecting the surrounding communities from potential risks associated with dam failure.
While Elmer Olsen may not have a detailed risk assessment or emergency action plan in place, its existence as a part of the local water infrastructure underscores the broader challenges and responsibilities in managing water resources and climate-related risks. As climate change continues to impact water availability and extreme weather events, dams like Elmer Olsen play a crucial role in mitigating floods, ensuring water supply, and safeguarding communities against potential disasters. Efforts to enhance risk management measures and emergency preparedness for dams like Elmer Olsen are essential to building resilience in the face of a changing climate and evolving water resource needs.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
378 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BOXELDER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
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.
Elmer Olsen