Wanblee Lake Dam

CRAVEN CREEK· Jackson, South Dakota· Built 1935· Earth· 17 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Wanblee Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 20.2% in SD)
Dam Length610 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage160 acre-ft
Normal Storage62 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area13 sq mi
Max Discharge3,312 cfs
Year Completed1935 (91 years old)
NID IDSD02128

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
Last Inspection: September 20, 1979
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

JOE KUKAL

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wanblee Lake Dam?

Wanblee Lake Dam 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 Wanblee Lake Dam?

Wanblee Lake Dam is owned by JOE KUKAL (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Wanblee Lake Dam built?

Wanblee Lake Dam was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Wanblee Lake Dam?

Wanblee Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Wanblee Lake Dam?

Wanblee Lake Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Wanblee Lake Dam last inspected?

Wanblee Lake Dam was last inspected on September 20, 1979. 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.