Marindahl

CLAY CREEK· Yankton, South Dakota· Built 1953· Earth· 58 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Marindahl is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 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 58 ft (taller than 99% in SD)
Dam Length640 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.6K acre-ft
Surface Area105 acres
Drainage Area72 sq mi
Max Discharge12,360 cfs
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
Year Modified2000
NID IDSD00045

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 4, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

GF&P

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Marindahl?

Marindahl 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 Marindahl?

Marindahl is owned by GF&P (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Marindahl built?

Marindahl was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Marindahl?

Marindahl serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Marindahl?

Marindahl has a dam height of 58 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 Marindahl last inspected?

Marindahl was last inspected on October 4, 2022. 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.