Virgil Horton 2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Thistle Dam Virgil Horton 1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Virgil Horton 2 is a privately owned dam located in Pennington, South Dakota, along the TR-BAD River.
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Summary
Built in 1937, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 450 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
This dam, part of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, serves multiple purposes, although the primary purpose is not specified in the data. With a maximum discharge capacity of 625 cubic feet per second, Virgil Horton 2 plays a vital role in water resource management in the region. The dam's condition is currently not rated, and there is no information available on emergency preparedness measures or risk assessment for the structure. As a key component of the water infrastructure in South Dakota, Virgil Horton 2 represents the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and regulatory oversight.
As an essential part of the water system in South Dakota, Virgil Horton 2 stands as a testament to the importance of proper dam regulation and maintenance in ensuring water resource sustainability and climate resilience. With state jurisdiction, regulatory oversight, and enforcement mechanisms in place, this dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure for managing water flow along the TR-BAD River. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data surrounding Virgil Horton 2 offers insight into the complexities of maintaining and regulating dams to protect communities and the environment from potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
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Buffalo gap national grassland
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Cedar Pass Campground
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Virgil Horton 2