Deerfield
Key Takeaway
Deerfield is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1946 and is 80 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 171 ft (taller than 99.8% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 1,125 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 42.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 423 acres |
| Drainage Area | 90 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 103,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1946 (80 years old) |
| NID ID | SD01138 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Deerfield?
Deerfield 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 Deerfield?
Deerfield is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Deerfield built?
Deerfield was completed in 1946, making it 80 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 Deerfield?
Deerfield serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Deerfield?
Deerfield has a dam height of 171 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 Deerfield last inspected?
Deerfield was last inspected on August 5, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.