Gordon Babcock Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lnot Ratedz Pierce Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Gordon Babcock is a privately owned earth dam in Pennington, South Dakota, with a height of 37 feet and a length of 250 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1951, this dam serves the primary purpose of water resource management on the TR-CHEYENNE river. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in collaboration with the state regulatory agency, DENR, Gordon Babcock has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.
Situated in a picturesque location with a maximum storage capacity of 160 acre-feet, Gordon Babcock plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and storage in the region. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 125 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 375 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not undergone recent inspection or been rated for condition, it stands as a testament to the importance of private water resource management in South Dakota. As climate change impacts water resources, structures like Gordon Babcock become essential for sustainable water management.
With oversight from state and federal agencies, including the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Gordon Babcock represents a collaborative effort to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the dam. Although lacking a formal emergency action plan and risk assessment, the dam's low hazard potential indicates a relatively low risk to surrounding areas. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of structures like Gordon Babcock in maintaining water security and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
37 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
37 |
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.
Gordon Babcock