Porter Cottonwood Dam
Key Takeaway
Porter Cottonwood Dam is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1914 and is 112 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 28 ft (taller than 77.7% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 1,275 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 448 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 368 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 1,950 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1914 (112 years old) |
| NID ID | SD01161 |
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
PORTER RANCH
Private
Nearby Dams
Pfister Pond #1
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Low Hazard 13 ftCold Creek Dam
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Significant Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Porter Cottonwood Dam?
Porter Cottonwood Dam 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 Porter Cottonwood Dam?
Porter Cottonwood Dam is owned by PORTER RANCH (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Porter Cottonwood Dam built?
Porter Cottonwood Dam was completed in 1914, making it 112 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 Porter Cottonwood Dam?
Porter Cottonwood Dam 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 Porter Cottonwood Dam?
Porter Cottonwood Dam has a dam height of 28 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.