Fortune Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Fortune Dam, located in Pennington, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 1974, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 70 acre-feet. Situated on the tributary of the South Fork Bad River, Fortune Dam helps regulate water flow, providing essential water supply for various purposes in the area.

Maintained by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Fortune Dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential, although its condition assessment is currently not rated. Despite this, the dam is subject to regular state inspection, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. With a maximum discharge capacity of 945 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in South Dakota, contributing to flood control and water supply sustainability in the region.

With its strategic location and function, Fortune Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource infrastructure in mitigating climate-related risks and ensuring water security. As a key component of the local water management system, this dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against flooding events and ensuring a reliable water supply for various stakeholders. Through ongoing state oversight and maintenance efforts, Fortune Dam continues to uphold its critical role in supporting the water needs of Pennington County and the surrounding areas, highlighting the significance of sustainable water resource management in enhancing climate resilience.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TRIB. S. FORK BAD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

135

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.