Belle Fourche
Key Takeaway
Belle Fourche is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1911 and is 115 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 122 ft (taller than 99.7% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 6,262 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 278.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 192.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9,861 acres |
| Drainage Area | 170 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1911 (115 years old) |
| NID ID | SD01100 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 36 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Belle Fourche?
Belle Fourche 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 Belle Fourche?
Belle Fourche is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Belle Fourche built?
Belle Fourche was completed in 1911, making it 115 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?
Belle Fourche serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Belle Fourche?
Belle Fourche has a dam height of 122 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 last inspected?
Belle Fourche was last inspected on July 8, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.