Custer West
Key Takeaway
Custer West is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1943 and is 83 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 Height | 13 ft (taller than 5.1% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 123 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8 acres |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1943 (83 years old) |
| NID ID | SD02616 |
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
City of Custer
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Custer West?
Custer West 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 Custer West?
Custer West is owned by City of Custer (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Custer West built?
Custer West 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 Custer West?
Custer West serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, 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 Custer West?
Custer West has a dam height of 13 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 Custer West last inspected?
Custer West was last inspected on December 9, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.