Pace Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Pace Dam, located in Pennington, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 2002.
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Summary
This earth dam, standing at a height of 22 feet with a length of 500 feet, serves the purpose of regulating the flow of Tr. Box Elder Creek. With a maximum storage capacity of 85 acre-feet and a normal storage of 39 acre-feet, Pace Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, Pace Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 80 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1080 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to prevent potential hazards.
Pace Dam's presence highlights the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience, showcasing the collaborative efforts between private owners, state agencies, and designers to safeguard critical infrastructure. As enthusiasts in this field, understanding the technical specifications, regulatory oversight, and risk management measures associated with Pace Dam provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in sustaining water resources in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR. BOX ELDER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
85 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Pace Dam