Glen Lakner Reservoir Report
Nearby: Percy Dam Roy Shull No.1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Glen Lakner is a privately owned earth dam located in Pennington, South Dakota, along the TR-CHEYENNE river.
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Summary
Built in 1947, this dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a storage capacity of 320 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 150 acre-feet. 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.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for its condition, Glen Lakner plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 900 cubic feet per second, this dam provides flood protection and water storage benefits for the surrounding communities. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Glen Lakner serves as a key infrastructure for safeguarding against potential water-related risks and ensuring water availability for various uses.
As a structure within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Glen Lakner contributes to the overall water resource management efforts in the region. While its emergency action plan status and risk assessment details are currently unspecified, the dam remains a significant asset for water supply, irrigation, and flood control purposes. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the role of Glen Lakner in enhancing water security and resilience in Pennington, South Dakota, amidst changing environmental conditions and increasing water demands.
Year Completed |
1947 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
320 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cheyenne River Near Wasta
|
190cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Rapid Cr Near Farmingdale Sd
|
85cfs |
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
White R Near Interior Sd
|
50cfs |
Battle Cr Below Hermosa Sd
|
8cfs |
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
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Sage Creek
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Sage Creek Campground
|
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Buffalo gap national grassland
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Glen Lakner