Stockade Lake Dam

FRENCH CREEK· Custer, South Dakota· Built 1930· Earth· 53 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Stockade Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 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 53 ft (taller than 98.7% in SD)
Dam Length440 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.8K acre-ft
Surface Area130 acres
Drainage Area76 sq mi
Max Discharge6,000 cfs
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDSD02152

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 24, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

GF&P

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Stockade Lake Dam?

Stockade Lake Dam 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 Stockade Lake Dam?

Stockade Lake Dam is owned by GF&P (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Stockade Lake Dam built?

Stockade Lake Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Stockade Lake Dam?

Stockade 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 Stockade Lake Dam?

Stockade Lake Dam has a dam height of 53 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 Stockade Lake Dam last inspected?

Stockade Lake Dam was last inspected on October 24, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

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.