Herron Dam

EAST BRANCH OF ASH CREEK· Ziebach, South Dakota· Built 1939· Earth· 21 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Herron Dam is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 40.7% in SD)
Dam Length444 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage104 acre-ft
Normal Storage53 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge385 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDSD00521

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: June 1, 1986
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

EVA FIELDS ESTATE

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Herron Dam?

Herron Dam 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 Herron Dam?

Herron Dam is owned by EVA FIELDS ESTATE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Herron Dam built?

Herron Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Herron Dam?

Herron Dam serves the following purposes: 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 Herron Dam?

Herron Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Herron Dam last inspected?

Herron Dam was last inspected on June 1, 1986. 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.