Fairfax Lake
Key Takeaway
Fairfax Lake is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1934 and is 92 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 28 ft (taller than 77.7% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 468 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 264 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 24 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,428 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1934 (92 years old) |
| NID ID | SD00553 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
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 41 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fairfax Lake?
Fairfax Lake is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Fairfax Lake?
Fairfax Lake is owned by GF&P (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fairfax Lake built?
Fairfax Lake was completed in 1934, making it 92 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 Fairfax Lake?
Fairfax 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 Fairfax Lake?
Fairfax Lake has a dam height of 28 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 Fairfax Lake last inspected?
Fairfax Lake was last inspected on May 24, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.