Menno Dam
Key Takeaway
Menno Dam is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 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 | 53 ft (taller than 98.7% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 660 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 700 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 48 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 30,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1935 (91 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1996 |
| NID ID | SD00026 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
GF&P
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Menno Dam?
Menno Dam 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 Menno Dam?
Menno Dam is owned by GF&P (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Menno Dam built?
Menno Dam was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Menno Dam?
Menno Dam 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 Menno Dam?
Menno Dam has a dam height of 53 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 Menno Dam last inspected?
Menno Dam was last inspected on August 15, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.