Belle Fourche Diversion
Key Takeaway
Belle Fourche Diversion is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1907 and is 119 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 36 ft (taller than 94.9% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 2,523 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 4,310 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,635 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1907 (119 years old) |
| NID ID | SD01142 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
George Merickson Dam 1
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Low Hazard 28 ftSpearfish Valley Ranch
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Low Hazard 32 ftRoyal Mcknight Dam No.1
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Low Hazard 18 ftUs Gov`T Dam
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Low Hazard 13 ftBelle Fourche
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High Hazard 122 ftRoyal Mcknight Dam No.2
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Low Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Belle Fourche Diversion?
Belle Fourche Diversion 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 Belle Fourche Diversion?
Belle Fourche Diversion is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Belle Fourche Diversion built?
Belle Fourche Diversion was completed in 1907, making it 119 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 Belle Fourche Diversion?
Belle Fourche Diversion serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Belle Fourche Diversion?
Belle Fourche Diversion 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 Belle Fourche Diversion last inspected?
Belle Fourche Diversion was last inspected on July 8, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.