Joe Wunder Reservoir Report
Nearby: Arthnot Rated Preszier Joe Hulm
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Joe Wunder is a privately owned dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, along the TR South Grand River.
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Summary
Built in 1951, this Earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and stretches 360 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet, Joe Wunder serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area, providing a normal storage capacity of 50 acre-feet.
Managed and regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Joe Wunder has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam continues to be inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and inundation maps are still under evaluation.
Overall, Joe Wunder remains a vital infrastructure for water management in South Dakota, contributing to flood control, water storage, and irrigation purposes. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring water resources for climate resilience and sustainability.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR SOUTH GRAND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Joe Wunder