Horsethief Lake
Key Takeaway
Horsethief Lake is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 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 | 62 ft (taller than 99.2% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 325 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 590 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 464 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 990 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | SD01118 |
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
USDA FS
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Mitchell Lake
Pennington, SD
High Hazard 26 ftSheridan Lake
Pennington, SD
High Hazard 134 ftLakota
Custer, SD
High Hazard 42 ftMajor Lake
Pennington, SD
High Hazard 13 ftSylvan Lake Dam
Custer, SD
High Hazard 37 ftCenter Lake Dam
Custer, SD
High Hazard 56 ftBismark Lake
Custer, SD
High Hazard 38 ftStockade Lake Dam
Custer, SD
High Hazard 53 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Horsethief Lake?
Horsethief Lake 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 Horsethief Lake?
Horsethief Lake is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Horsethief Lake built?
Horsethief Lake was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Horsethief Lake?
Horsethief Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Horsethief Lake?
Horsethief Lake has a dam height of 62 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 Horsethief Lake last inspected?
Horsethief Lake was last inspected on September 27, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.