Lake Dakotah
Key Takeaway
Lake Dakotah is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 31 ft (taller than 88.8% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 411 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 211 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 90 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 936 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
| NID ID | SD00757 |
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 Dakotah?
Lake Dakotah 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 Dakotah?
Lake Dakotah is owned by GF&P (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Dakotah built?
Lake Dakotah 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 Lake Dakotah?
Lake Dakotah serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Dakotah?
Lake Dakotah has a dam height of 31 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 Dakotah last inspected?
Lake Dakotah was last inspected on October 18, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.