Kjerstad No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kjerstad Dam No.3 Kjerstad Dam No.2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Kjerstad No.1 is a privately owned dam located in Pennington, South Dakota, along the TR BAD RIVER.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this Earth-type dam stands at 22 feet in height and spans 525 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 263 acre-feet and a drainage area of 5 square miles, Kjerstad No.1 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), Kjerstad No.1 is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a high hazard potential, but was assessed to be in fair condition during its last inspection in October 2017. Despite its age, Kjerstad No.1 continues to serve its primary purpose effectively, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and regulation of water infrastructure in mitigating climate-related risks.
As climate change poses increasing challenges to water resources, dams like Kjerstad No.1 play a vital role in flood control and water supply management. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, Kjerstad No.1 exemplifies the importance of proactive maintenance and regulation to ensure the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts alike can appreciate the efforts put into managing and maintaining this essential piece of water infrastructure in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
263 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Kjerstad No.1