Dalton Lake
Key Takeaway
Dalton Lake is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 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 | 24 ft (taller than 53.3% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 256 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 41 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,900 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
| NID ID | SD02614 |
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
USDA FS
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Dalton Lake?
Dalton Lake 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 Dalton Lake?
Dalton Lake is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Dalton Lake built?
Dalton Lake was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 Dalton Lake?
Dalton Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation, 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 Dalton Lake?
Dalton Lake has a dam height of 24 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 Dalton Lake last inspected?
Dalton Lake was last inspected on September 25, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.