Cold Creek Dam

TRIBUTARY CHEYENNE RIVER· Fall River, South Dakota· Built 1943· Earth· 15 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Cold Creek Dam is classified as significant hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1943 and is 83 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 11.1% in SD)
Dam Length870 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage240 acre-ft
Normal Storage192 acre-ft
Max Discharge715 cfs
Year Completed1943 (83 years old)
NID IDSD01402

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
Last Inspection: July 26, 1978
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

BLACK HILLS INDUSTRIAL

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cold Creek Dam?

Cold Creek 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 Cold Creek Dam?

Cold Creek Dam is owned by BLACK HILLS INDUSTRIAL (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cold Creek Dam built?

Cold Creek Dam was completed in 1943, making it 83 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 Cold Creek Dam?

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

How tall is Cold Creek Dam?

Cold Creek Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Cold Creek Dam last inspected?

Cold Creek Dam was last inspected on July 26, 1978. 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.