Kjerstad Dam No.2
Key Takeaway
Kjerstad Dam No.2 is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1941 and is 85 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 14 ft (taller than 7.8% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 335 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 57 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 22 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,490 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1941 (85 years old) |
| NID ID | SD02140 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
LEONARD KJERSTAD
Private
Nearby Dams
Kjerstad Dam No.3
Pennington, SD
High Hazard 15 ftKjerstad No.1
Pennington, SD
High Hazard 22 ftFortune Dam
Pennington, SD
Low Hazard 15 ftKonrad Kjerstad
Pennington, SD
Low Hazard 20 ftSieler Dam
Pennington, SD
Low Hazard 20 ftTony Krebs
Pennington, SD
Low Hazard 14 ftTheodore Kjerstad
Pennington, SD
Low Hazard 17 ftJoe Papousek
Pennington, SD
Low Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Kjerstad Dam No.2?
Kjerstad Dam No.2 is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Kjerstad Dam No.2?
Kjerstad Dam No.2 is owned by LEONARD KJERSTAD (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Kjerstad Dam No.2 built?
Kjerstad Dam No.2 was completed in 1941, making it 85 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Kjerstad Dam No.2?
Kjerstad Dam No.2 serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Kjerstad Dam No.2?
Kjerstad Dam No.2 has a dam height of 14 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Kjerstad Dam No.2 last inspected?
Kjerstad Dam No.2 was last inspected on December 19, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.