Milton Trask Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Milton Trask is a privately owned dam located in Pennington, South Dakota, along the TR BAD RIVER.


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Summary

Constructed in 1962 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at 17 feet tall and spans 725 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 93 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, Milton Trask is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections and maintenance to uphold safety standards.

The dam serves a crucial role in water resource management, providing storage for irrigation, flood control, and environmental conservation in the region. With a normal storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capability of 4500 cubic feet per second, Milton Trask plays a vital role in maintaining water supply stability and protecting against potential flooding events. Although its condition is currently listed as "Not Rated," the dam's operational history and regulatory oversight indicate a commitment to ensuring its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community.

As an integral part of the water infrastructure in South Dakota, Milton Trask contributes to the broader climate resilience efforts in the region. With its strategic location and purposeful design, this dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate adaptation, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in mitigating risks and enhancing sustainability in the face of changing environmental conditions. By upholding regulatory standards and leveraging its storage capacity effectively, Milton Trask stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to safeguard water resources and build resilience against climate impacts in the local landscape.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

725

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR BAD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

93

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.