Opal Dam

TR CHEYENNE· Meade, South Dakota· Built 1937· Earth· 22 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Opal Dam is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 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	22 ft (taller than 45.6% in SD)
Dam Length	515 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	558 acre-ft
Normal Storage	260 acre-ft

Surface Area	38 acres
Drainage Area	7 sq mi
Max Discharge	2,935 cfs
Year Completed	1937 (89 years old)
Year Modified	1992
NID ID	SD00308

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: November 9, 2021

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

GF&P

State Government

Nearby Dams

C. Vansickel

Meade, SD

High Hazard 17 ft

D. Talley

Meade, SD

Low Hazard 28 ft

R. Talley No.2

Meade, SD

Low Hazard 11 ft

Walter Ingals

Meade, SD

Low Hazard 15 ft

L. Reeves No.3

Meade, SD

Low Hazard 23 ft

R. Talley No.1

Meade, SD

Low Hazard 27 ft

G. Welter

Meade, SD

Low Hazard 17 ft

N. Vansickel

Meade, SD

Low Hazard 17 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Opal Dam?

Opal 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 Opal Dam?

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

When was Opal Dam built?

Opal Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Opal Dam?

Opal 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 Opal Dam?

Opal Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Opal Dam last inspected?

Opal Dam was last inspected on November 9, 2021. 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.