Jensen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Zebroski Fourth Street Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Jensen Dam, located in Hughes County, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1981.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 33 feet and spans 240 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 27 acre-feet. Situated on Dry Draw, this dam serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water storage for irrigation and other agricultural needs.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Jensen Dam is regulated and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 60 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 810 cubic feet per second. Despite its condition assessment being "Not Rated," Jensen Dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate Jensen Dam as a vital piece of infrastructure that helps regulate water flow and provides essential storage capacity. With its efficient design and minimal hazard potential, the dam stands as a testament to responsible engineering and management practices in ensuring water security for the surrounding area.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
240 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
DRY DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
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.
Jensen Dam