Cowan Dam
Key Takeaway
Cowan Dam is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 30 ft (taller than 85.2% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 334 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 35 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 3,994 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
| NID ID | SD00592 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
ALFRED COWAN
Private
Nearby Dams
Gene Huft
Corson, SD
Low Hazard 24 ftBill Lindskov
Corson, SD
Low Hazard 20 ftHarold Meyer
Corson, SD
Low Hazard 18 ftHarold Meyer
Corson, SD
Low Hazard 23 ftLindskov Dam
Corson, SD
Low Hazard 24 ftHarold Meyer
Corson, SD
Low Hazard 11 ftPhillip Jung No.2
Corson, SD
Low Hazard 18 ftPhillip Jung No.1
Corson, SD
Low Hazard 17 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cowan Dam?
Cowan 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 Cowan Dam?
Cowan Dam is owned by ALFRED COWAN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cowan Dam built?
Cowan 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 Cowan Dam?
Cowan Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cowan Dam?
Cowan Dam has a dam height of 30 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.