Thistle Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Virgil Horton 2 Virgil Horton 1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Thistle Dam, located in Pennington, South Dakota, is a federally owned structure with a low hazard potential.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Although the dam is not currently regulated or inspected by the state, its condition is listed as "Not Rated," indicating a lack of recent assessment.
The dam, managed by the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, serves an unspecified primary purpose and is not associated with any other structures. With a lack of detailed information on its design, construction, and operational history, Thistle Dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Despite its relatively small size, the dam's location and environmental impact warrant further investigation and consideration in the context of evolving climate conditions and water resource management strategies.
Dam Height |
20 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Buffalo gap national grassland
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Badlands Interior Campground
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Cedar Pass - Badlands National Park
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Cedar Pass Campground
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Thistle Dam