Willow Creek
Key Takeaway
Willow Creek is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1934 and is 92 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 49 ft (taller than 98.4% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 1,330 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 7.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 312 acres |
| Drainage Area | 155 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,900 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1934 (92 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2001 |
| NID ID | SD00008 |
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
CITY OF ABERDEEN
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Willow Creek?
Willow Creek 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 Willow Creek?
Willow Creek is owned by CITY OF ABERDEEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Willow Creek built?
Willow Creek was completed in 1934, making it 92 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 Willow Creek?
Willow Creek serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Willow Creek?
Willow Creek has a dam height of 49 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 Willow Creek last inspected?
Willow Creek was last inspected on November 22, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.