Larson Dam

TRIB. THUNDER CREEK· Tripp, South Dakota· Built 1977· Earth· 30 ft tall
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Larson Dam is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 30 ft (taller than 85.2% in SD)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage400 acre-ft
Normal Storage365 acre-ft
Max Discharge700 cfs
Year Completed1977 (49 years old)
NID IDSD02244

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 29, 1991
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

DARRELL & GLENN LARSON

Private

Nearby Dams

Orl Walcott #1

Lyman, SD

Significant Hazard 53 ft

Hamill Dam

Tripp, SD

Low Hazard 21 ft

Jim Schuyler 2

Tripp, SD

Low Hazard 29 ft

Jim Schuyler 3

Tripp, SD

Low Hazard 26 ft

Dejong Bros 1

Lyman, SD

Low Hazard 32 ft

Snow Dam

Tripp, SD

Low Hazard 23 ft

Jim Schuyler

Tripp, SD

Low Hazard 30 ft

Dejong Bros 3

Tripp, SD

Low Hazard 28 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Larson Dam?

Larson 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 Larson Dam?

Larson Dam is owned by DARRELL & GLENN LARSON (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Larson Dam built?

Larson Dam was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Larson Dam?

Larson Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Larson Dam?

Larson Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Larson Dam last inspected?

Larson Dam was last inspected on July 29, 1991. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.