Cottonwood Field Station Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sd Noname 9 Cliff Fees
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Cottonwood Field Station in South Dakota is a state-owned facility situated along the TR-Bad River, managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam, completed in 1937, stands at 18 feet in height and spans 500 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge of 1200 cubic feet per second, the dam serves to regulate water flow and mitigate flood risks in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential, Cottonwood Field Station undergoes regular inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. The dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. While emergency action plans and risk management measures are not explicitly outlined, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in Jackson County, South Dakota. Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate adaptation will find Cottonwood Field Station to be a fascinating case study in dam engineering and regulatory oversight.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
126 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Cottonwood Field Station