Lermeny Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lermeny Dam, located along Coal Creek in Harding, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1903.


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Summary

With a height of 25 feet and a length of 1000 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 320 acre-feet, making it a crucial water resource for the region. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

Despite its age, Lermeny Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. The dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for water storage and flood control along Coal Creek, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1350 cubic feet per second. While there are no associated structures or outlet gates listed for the dam, its presence plays a significant role in water management and environmental conservation efforts in the area.

As a part of the Omaha District, Lermeny Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, although it is privately owned. The dam's primary purpose and specific purposes are not listed, but its significance in water resource management and climate resilience cannot be understated. With its historical completion in the early 20th century, the dam continues to be a vital asset for the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1903

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

COAL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

320

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.