Ward Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Marsh Dam Farmingdale (Nid)
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ward Dam, located in Pennington, South Dakota, is a federal-owned earth dam completed in 1990 with a primary purpose that is not specified.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a storage capacity of 138 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 62 acre-feet. It is situated on a tributary of Rapid Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Although Ward Dam is categorized as having a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment, detailed information on its emergency action plan, risk assessment, and management measures is not available. The dam does not have state regulation, permitting, inspection, or enforcement associated with it, highlighting the need for enhanced monitoring and maintenance protocols to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure in the face of changing climate conditions. Climate enthusiasts and water resource specialists may find Ward Dam to be an intriguing case study in the intersection of infrastructure development, water management, and environmental resilience.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
156 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. RAPID CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
138 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Ward Dam