Gerbracht Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Gerbracht Dam, located in Perkins, South Dakota, stands as a testament to effective water resource management by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

Completed in 1998, this earth dam on Little Cedar Creek boasts a height of 28 feet and a storage capacity of 99 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Gerbracht Dam serves as a crucial component in regulating water flow and mitigating potential flooding in the region.

Managed by a private owner, Gerbracht Dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet, capable of discharging up to 1350 cubic feet per second. Despite not being rated for its current condition, Gerbracht Dam continues to play a vital role in water conservation efforts and contributes to the overall water management strategy in South Dakota.

With its strategic location and design, Gerbracht Dam serves as a key infrastructure project in the St. Paul District, providing essential water storage and flood control measures for the local community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, dams like Gerbracht play a critical role in safeguarding against potential risks and ensuring a sustainable water supply for future generations.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

517

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

LITTLE CEDAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

99

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.