Bill Trask Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sd Noname 117 Sd Noname 115
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Bill Trask is a privately owned earth dam located in Pennington, South Dakota, with a height of 32 feet and a length of 925 feet.
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Summary
Constructed in 1964, this dam serves the primary purpose of water resource management on the TRIB CHEYENE river, with a storage capacity of 260 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 12,600 cubic feet per second. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bill Trask has been regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not rated for condition assessment, Bill Trask remains an essential infrastructure for water supply and flood control in the area. While lacking updated information on inspections, emergency action plans, and risk assessments, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship in managing water resources and climate challenges. As climate change impacts water availability and extreme weather events, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Bill Trask become increasingly critical in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against potential risks and hazards.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
925 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB CHEYENE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Nid Storage |
260 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Bill Trask