Faulkton Dam
Key Takeaway
Faulkton Dam is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 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 | 39 ft (taller than 96.2% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 580 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 320 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 102 acres |
| Drainage Area | 145 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,900 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1999 |
| NID ID | SD00017 |
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
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Faulkton Dam?
Faulkton 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 Faulkton Dam?
Faulkton Dam is owned by GF&P (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Faulkton Dam built?
Faulkton Dam was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Faulkton Dam?
Faulkton Dam 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 Faulkton Dam?
Faulkton Dam has a dam height of 39 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 Faulkton Dam last inspected?
Faulkton Dam was last inspected on July 28, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.