Pudwell Dam
Key Takeaway
Pudwell Dam is classified as significant hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 27 ft (taller than 71.8% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 640 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 631 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 95 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,866 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
| NID ID | SD00601 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
S&PL
State Government
Nearby Dams
Mcgee Dam
Corson, SD
Low Hazard 21 ftRichard Glines
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Significant Hazard 39 ftMcintosh Lake
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Significant Hazard 20 ftHerbert Stoick
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Significant Hazard 22 ftDobitz Dam; Fran 7
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Low Hazard 10 ftDobitz Dam; Fran 14
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Low Hazard 24 ftJames Seiler
Corson, SD
Low Hazard 17 ftCampbell
Corson, SD
Low Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Pudwell Dam?
Pudwell Dam 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 Pudwell Dam?
Pudwell Dam is owned by S&PL (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Pudwell Dam built?
Pudwell Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Pudwell Dam?
Pudwell Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, 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 Pudwell Dam?
Pudwell Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Pudwell Dam last inspected?
Pudwell Dam was last inspected on November 10, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.