Molstad Lake
Key Takeaway
Molstad Lake is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 19 ft (taller than 29.5% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 2,080 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 623 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 111 acres |
| Drainage Area | 24 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 11,985 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1999 |
| NID ID | SD00755 |
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
S&PL
State Government
Nearby Dams
Robert Bolander
Walworth, SD
Low Hazard 26 ftTed Molstad Dam
Walworth, SD
Low Hazard 23 ftNorman Schillinstad
Walworth, SD
Low Hazard 20 ftMortenson Dam
Walworth, SD
Low Hazard 27 ftA.W. Spiry
Walworth, SD
Low Hazard 25 ftWalter Schlomer
Walworth, SD
Low Hazard 17 ftA.W. Spiry
Walworth, SD
Low Hazard 26 ftRose Rabenberg No.1
Campbell, SD
Low Hazard 27 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Molstad Lake?
Molstad Lake 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 Molstad Lake?
Molstad Lake is owned by S&PL (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Molstad Lake built?
Molstad Lake was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Molstad Lake?
Molstad Lake 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 Molstad Lake?
Molstad Lake has a dam height of 19 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 Molstad Lake last inspected?
Molstad Lake was last inspected on October 21, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.