Oglala
Key Takeaway
Oglala is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1942 and is 84 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 | 57 ft (taller than 98.9% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 2,450 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 10.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 515 acres |
| Year Completed | 1942 (84 years old) |
| NID ID | SD00969 |
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
BIA
Federal Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Oglala?
Oglala 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 Oglala?
Oglala is owned by BIA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Oglala built?
Oglala was completed in 1942, making it 84 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 Oglala?
Oglala 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 Oglala?
Oglala has a dam height of 57 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 Oglala last inspected?
Oglala was last inspected on August 9, 2012. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.