Highway 44
Key Takeaway
Highway 44 is classified as significant hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 50 ft (taller than 98.4% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 390 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 136 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 20 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 50 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1973 (53 years old) |
| NID ID | SD01473 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Iwan No.1
Mellette, SD
Low Hazard 28 ftDeiss No. 1
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Low Hazard 25 ftHighway 44 #6
Mellette, SD
Significant Hazard 102 ftBak #1
Mellette, SD
Significant Hazard 59 ftKrogman No.1
Mellette, SD
Low Hazard 26 ftHighway Dept. #3
Mellette, SD
Significant Hazard 91 ftHighway Dept. #2
Mellette, SD
Significant Hazard 60 ftKrogman #4
Mellette, SD
Low Hazard 29 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Highway 44?
Highway 44 is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Highway 44?
Highway 44 is owned by DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Highway 44 built?
Highway 44 was completed in 1973, making it 53 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 Highway 44?
Highway 44 serves the following purposes: Other, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Highway 44?
Highway 44 has a dam height of 50 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 Highway 44 last inspected?
Highway 44 was last inspected on September 29, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.