Cottonwood Springs Dam
Key Takeaway
Cottonwood Springs Dam is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 Length | 1,190 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 11.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 655 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 42 acres |
| Drainage Area | 26 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 39,600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
| NID ID | SD01096 |
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
USACE - Omaha District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cottonwood Springs Dam?
Cottonwood Springs Dam 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 Cottonwood Springs Dam?
Cottonwood Springs Dam is owned by USACE - Omaha District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cottonwood Springs Dam built?
Cottonwood Springs Dam was completed in 1969, making it 57 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 Cottonwood Springs Dam?
Cottonwood Springs Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Cottonwood Springs Dam last inspected?
Cottonwood Springs Dam was last inspected on July 29, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.