Redfield Lake
Key Takeaway
Redfield Lake is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 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 | 30 ft (taller than 85.2% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 12.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 170 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,414 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 24,350 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1999 |
| NID ID | SD00699 |
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
GF&P
State Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Redfield Lake?
Redfield Lake 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 Redfield Lake?
Redfield Lake is owned by GF&P (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Redfield Lake built?
Redfield Lake 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 Redfield Lake?
Redfield Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Redfield Lake?
Redfield Lake has a dam height of 30 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 Redfield Lake last inspected?
Redfield Lake was last inspected on July 3, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.