Clifford Seidel Reservoir Report
Nearby: Joe Hulm Joe Wunder
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Clifford Seidel, a privately owned dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
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Summary
Completed in 1951, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet. Situated on the tributary of the South Fork Grand River, Clifford Seidel serves a low hazard potential with a condition assessment of "Not Rated".
While the dam lacks certain detailed information such as spillway type and gate specifications, it is maintained by the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite being in operation for several decades, the dam's last inspection date, condition assessment, and emergency action plan readiness are not provided. With a low hazard potential and a relatively small storage capacity, Clifford Seidel remains an integral part of the water resource infrastructure in South Dakota, contributing to the management of water flow and storage in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Clifford Seidel offers a glimpse into the historical development of dam infrastructure in the state of South Dakota. With its regulatory oversight by the DENR and the USACE, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of water control structures. As the climate continues to change, ensuring the safety and functionality of dams like Clifford Seidel becomes increasingly crucial in managing water resources and mitigating potential risks associated with extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. SOUTH FORK GRAND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
51 |
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.
Clifford Seidel