Ghost Hawk
Key Takeaway
Ghost Hawk is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 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 Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 160 acre-ft |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
| NID ID | SD02404 |
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
BIA
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ghost Hawk?
Ghost Hawk 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 Ghost Hawk?
Ghost Hawk is owned by BIA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ghost Hawk built?
Ghost Hawk was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Ghost Hawk?
Ghost Hawk serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Ghost Hawk last inspected?
Ghost Hawk was last inspected on June 6, 2012. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.