Nolan Sexton Reservoir Report
Nearby: Odou Patterson George Clark
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Nolan Sexton, a privately owned earth dam located on the TR MOREAU RIVER in Perkins, South Dakota, was completed in 1949 and stands at a height of 23 feet with a length of 430 feet.
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Summary
The dam has a NID storage capacity of 138 acre-feet, offering crucial water resource management for the surrounding area. Despite its age, the dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition assessment.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Nolan Sexton is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its compliance with safety and environmental standards. With a normal storage capacity of 97 acre-feet and a max discharge of 150 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a vital role in flood control and water supply management in the region. Its location within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers further underscores its significance in the local water resource infrastructure.
As a key element in the water management system of Perkins, South Dakota, Nolan Sexton serves as a reliable structure for mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability for the community. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, the dam continues to provide essential services while meeting state regulatory requirements. The collaboration between private ownership, state agencies, and federal entities underscores the importance of multi-level cooperation in safeguarding water resources and addressing climate challenges in the region.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
430 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
138 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Nolan Sexton