Joe Papousek Reservoir Report
Nearby: Quinn Dam Tennyson Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Joe Papousek is a privately owned dam located in Pennington, South Dakota, along the TR Bad River.
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Summary
Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at 16 feet high and spans 470 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Joe Papousek serves a low hazard potential with a current condition assessment of "Not Rated."
Despite its age, Joe Papousek has undergone no modifications or inspections in recent years, leaving its emergency action plan status and risk management measures unknown. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures remain unspecified, while its maximum discharge rate of 725 cubic feet per second indicates a moderate level of hydraulic activity. With its close proximity to the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Joe Papousek presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the resilience and maintenance of aging infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
470 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
86 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Fork Bad R Near Cottonwood Sd
|
0cfs |
Cheyenne River Near Wasta
|
190cfs |
White R Near Interior Sd
|
50cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
White R Near Kadoka Sd
|
73cfs |
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
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.
Joe Papousek