Sioux Falls Diversion

BIG SIOUX RIVER· Minnehaha, South Dakota· Built 1960· Gravity· 21 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Sioux Falls Diversion is classified as significant hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 40.7% in SD)
Dam Length82 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage1.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage216 acre-ft
Max Discharge18,600 cfs
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDSD00697

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

CITY OF SIOUX FALLS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sioux Falls Diversion?

Sioux Falls Diversion 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 Sioux Falls Diversion?

Sioux Falls Diversion is owned by CITY OF SIOUX FALLS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sioux Falls Diversion built?

Sioux Falls Diversion was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Sioux Falls Diversion?

Sioux Falls Diversion serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Sioux Falls Diversion?

Sioux Falls Diversion has a dam height of 21 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.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.