Durkee
Key Takeaway
Durkee is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 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 | 31 ft (taller than 88.8% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 1,010 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 900 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 83 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,645 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2000 |
| NID ID | SD00298 |
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
GF&P
State Government
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Low Hazard 21 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Durkee?
Durkee 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 Durkee?
Durkee is owned by GF&P (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Durkee built?
Durkee was completed in 1938, making it 88 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 Durkee?
Durkee serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Durkee?
Durkee has a dam height of 31 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 Durkee last inspected?
Durkee was last inspected on November 9, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.