Rahn Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Rahn Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 22 ft (taller than 45.6% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 570 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 891 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 320 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 2,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | SD00539 |
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
GF&P
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Rahn Lake Dam?
Rahn Lake 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 Rahn Lake Dam?
Rahn Lake Dam is owned by GF&P (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Rahn Lake Dam built?
Rahn Lake Dam was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Rahn Lake Dam?
Rahn Lake 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 Rahn Lake Dam?
Rahn Lake 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 Rahn Lake Dam last inspected?
Rahn Lake Dam was last inspected on October 12, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.