Eureka Lake

TR SPRING· McPherson, South Dakota· Built 1962· Earth· 15 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Eureka Lake is classified as significant hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 11.1% in SD)
Dam Length1,650 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage594 acre-ft
Normal Storage594 acre-ft
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)
NID IDSD00666

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

CITY OF EUREKA

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Eureka Lake?

Eureka Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Eureka Lake?

Eureka Lake is owned by CITY OF EUREKA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Eureka Lake built?

Eureka Lake was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Eureka Lake?

Eureka Lake 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 Eureka Lake?

Eureka Lake has a dam height of 15 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.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.