Julian Cheney Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pierce Dam Sd Noname 174
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Julian Cheney, a private earth dam located in Pennington, South Dakota, was completed in 1950 and stands at a height of 22 feet, with a length of 485 feet.
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Summary
This dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is part of the TR-Cheyenne river system. Owned privately, Julian Cheney has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1250 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Julian Cheney has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Although the dam has not been inspected recently, it is equipped with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures. Despite its age, Julian Cheney continues to serve its primary purpose effectively, contributing to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
With its historical significance and functional design, Julian Cheney stands as a testament to the importance of proper dam management and maintenance in ensuring water security and mitigating climate-related risks. As a key piece of infrastructure in the St. Paul District, its presence underscores the vital role that private owners and state agencies play in safeguarding water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
485 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Julian Cheney