Iversen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Iversen Number 1 Iversen Number 2
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Iversen Dam, located in Jones, South Dakota, along the TR BAD RIVER, was completed in 1976 and is privately owned.
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Summary
This Earth dam stands at a height of 5 feet with a hydraulic height of 15 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet and no outlet gates. Despite being in operation for over four decades, the condition of Iversen Dam is currently not rated, and it lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. The risk management measures and inundation maps for the dam are also not prepared or updated. The surrounding area is represented by Congressman Dusty Johnson (R) and falls under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, although the dam itself is not owned or funded by any federal agency.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the infrastructure of Iversen Dam will find it a fascinating case study of a privately owned Earth dam in South Dakota. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's moderate risk assessment and lack of a condition rating raise questions about its long-term safety and maintenance. The absence of an EAP and updated risk management measures highlight areas for improvement in ensuring the resilience of this essential water resource structure in the face of potential climate challenges and emergencies.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
5 |
River Or Stream |
TR BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Iversen Dam