Lake Charles Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Charles Dam is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1994 and is 32 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 23 ft (taller than 49.8% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 325 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 12 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1994 (32 years old) |
| NID ID | SD02390 |
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
GF&P
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Charles Dam?
Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles Dam?
Lake Charles Dam is owned by GF&P (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Charles Dam built?
Lake Charles Dam was completed in 1994, making it 32 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 Lake Charles Dam?
Lake Charles Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Charles Dam?
Lake Charles Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Lake Charles Dam last inspected?
Lake Charles Dam was last inspected on October 28, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.