Cain Creek Dam

Cain Creek· Beadle, South Dakota· Built 1939· Earth· 14 ft tall
Low Hazard Fish And Wildlife Pond Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Cain Creek Dam is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 7.8% in SD)
Dam Length641 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage260 acre-ft
Normal Storage11 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area340 sq mi
Max Discharge6,940 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDSD02484

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
Last Inspection: August 19, 2020
State Regulated: No
Regulatory Agency: DENR

Ownership

US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cain Creek Dam?

Cain Creek 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 Cain Creek Dam?

Cain Creek Dam is owned by US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cain Creek Dam built?

Cain Creek Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Cain Creek Dam?

Cain Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Cain Creek Dam?

Cain Creek Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Cain Creek Dam last inspected?

Cain Creek Dam was last inspected on August 19, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

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.