Houghton Dam
Key Takeaway
Houghton Dam is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 7 ft |
| Dam Length | 4,439 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 43.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6,022 acres |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
| NID ID | SD01191 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Houghton Dam?
Houghton 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 Houghton Dam?
Houghton Dam is owned by US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Houghton Dam built?
Houghton Dam was completed in 1938, making it 88 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 Houghton Dam?
Houghton Dam serves the following purposes: 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 Houghton Dam?
Houghton Dam has a dam height of 7 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 Houghton Dam last inspected?
Houghton Dam was last inspected on October 20, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.