Fraser

TR-JAMES· Aurora, South Dakota· Built 1934· Earth· 20 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond State Government

Key Takeaway

Fraser 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 20 ft (taller than 33.7% in SD)
Dam Length500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage247 acre-ft
Normal Storage165 acre-ft
Surface Area21 acres
Drainage Area10 sq mi
Max Discharge1,850 cfs
Year Completed1934 (92 years old)
NID IDSD00686

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 3, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

S&PL

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Fraser?

Fraser 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 Fraser?

Fraser is owned by S&PL (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Fraser built?

Fraser 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 Fraser?

Fraser serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Fraser?

Fraser has a dam height of 20 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 Fraser last inspected?

Fraser was last inspected on November 3, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

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.