Baker Dam

TRIB. PONCA CREEK· Gregory, South Dakota· Built 1979· Earth· 27 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Baker Dam is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1979 and is 47 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 27 ft (taller than 71.8% in SD)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage300 acre-ft
Normal Storage206 acre-ft
Max Discharge340 cfs
Year Completed1979 (47 years old)
NID IDSD02250

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

LLOYD BAKER

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Baker Dam?

Baker Dam 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 Baker Dam?

Baker Dam is owned by LLOYD BAKER (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Baker Dam built?

Baker Dam was completed in 1979, making it 47 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 Baker Dam?

Baker Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Baker Dam?

Baker Dam has a dam height of 27 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.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.