Red Owl
Key Takeaway
Red Owl 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 | 36 ft (taller than 94.9% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 540 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 260 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 123 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | SD00310 |
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
MEADE COUNTY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Red Owl?
Red Owl 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 Red Owl?
Red Owl is owned by MEADE COUNTY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Red Owl built?
Red Owl 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 Red Owl?
Red Owl 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 Red Owl?
Red Owl has a dam height of 36 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 Red Owl last inspected?
Red Owl was last inspected on November 18, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.