Niemi No.4

Sheep Creek· Harding, South Dakota· Built 1954· Earth· 19 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Niemi No.4 is classified as significant hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 19 ft (taller than 29.5% in SD)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage61 acre-ft
Normal Storage48 acre-ft
Max Discharge630 cfs
Year Completed1954 (72 years old)
NID IDSD00623

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

JOHN NIEMI

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Niemi No.4?

Niemi No.4 is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Niemi No.4?

Niemi No.4 is owned by JOHN NIEMI (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Niemi No.4 built?

Niemi No.4 was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Niemi No.4?

Niemi No.4 serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Niemi No.4?

Niemi No.4 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.

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.