Berry Dam

LANGSTON CREEK· Mellette, South Dakota· Built 1985· Earth· 50 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Flood Risk Reduction State Government

Key Takeaway

Berry Dam is classified as significant hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1985 and is 41 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 50 ft (taller than 98.4% in SD)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage250 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Max Discharge1,500 cfs
Year Completed1985 (41 years old)
NID IDSD02349

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Berry Dam?

Berry Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Berry Dam?

Berry Dam is owned by DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Berry Dam built?

Berry Dam was completed in 1985, making it 41 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 Berry Dam?

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

How tall is Berry Dam?

Berry Dam has a dam height of 50 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.