Peters Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Person #1 Penrhos Farms #5
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Peters Dam, located in Marshall, South Dakota, along the TR James River, was completed in 1997 by Konechne Eng.
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Summary
With a height of 23 feet and a length of 275 feet, the earth dam has a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1080 cubic feet per second. Despite being privately owned, Peters Dam is regulated and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ensuring its compliance with state standards for safety and environmental impact.
While Peters Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential, it is rated as having a moderate risk level. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 80 feet and is surrounded by a drainage area of 2 square miles. The dam's condition is currently listed as "Not Rated," indicating the need for further assessment to determine its structural integrity and potential risks. Emergency action plans and other risk management measures are not specified for Peters Dam, suggesting a potential area for improvement in ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding community in the event of a dam failure.
Overall, Peters Dam serves as a vital structure for water resource management in the region, providing storage for irrigation, flood control, and water supply. It stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and the importance of proper regulation and inspection to mitigate potential risks associated with dam infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Peters Dam will be essential in ensuring the resilience of communities and ecosystems in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1997 |
Dam Length |
275 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR JAMES RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wild Rice River Nr Rutland
|
21cfs |
James River At Nd-Sd State Line
|
194cfs |
James R At Columbia Sd
|
268cfs |
Elm R At Westport Sd
|
12cfs |
Maple R At Nd-Sd State Line
|
5cfs |
Bear Creek Nr Oakes
|
5cfs |
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.
Peters Dam