Elm Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Elm Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 45 ft (taller than 97.9% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 1,150 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 28.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,150 acres |
| Drainage Area | 292 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 13,850 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | SD00328 |
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
S&PL
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Elm Lake Dam?
Elm Lake Dam 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 Elm Lake Dam?
Elm Lake Dam is owned by S&PL (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Elm Lake Dam built?
Elm Lake Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Elm Lake Dam?
Elm Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Elm Lake Dam?
Elm Lake Dam has a dam height of 45 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 Elm Lake Dam last inspected?
Elm Lake Dam was last inspected on November 22, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.