Alvin
Key Takeaway
Alvin is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 36 ft (taller than 94.9% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 46 acres |
| Max Discharge | 8,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1994 |
| NID ID | SD00029 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
GF&P
State Government
Nearby Dams
Evenson
Lincoln, SD
Low Hazard 27 ftHarr Dam
Minnehaha, SD
Low Hazard 28 ftChristensen Dam
Lincoln, SD
Low Hazard 22 ftKlondike Dam
Lincoln, SD
Low Hazard 7 ftKlondike Mill Dam
Lyon, IA
Low Hazard 12 ftAssam
Minnehaha, SD
Low Hazard 30 ftCanton Dam No.1
Lincoln, SD
Significant Hazard 27 ftLee Dam
Lyon, IA
Low Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Alvin?
Alvin is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Alvin?
Alvin is owned by GF&P (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Alvin built?
Alvin was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Alvin?
Alvin serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Alvin?
Alvin has a dam height of 36 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 Alvin last inspected?
Alvin was last inspected on October 4, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.