Word
Key Takeaway
Word is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 28 ft (taller than 77.7% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 319 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 34 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 30 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 158 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | SD01475 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
WORD
Private
Nearby Dams
Word #1
Mellette, SD
Low Hazard 30 ftIwan O.M. Number 3
Mellette, SD
Low Hazard 27 ftSd Noname 162
Jackson, SD
Low Hazard 27 ftBelvidere Dam
Jackson, SD
Low Hazard 17 ftIwan #4
Mellette, SD
Low Hazard 29 ftIwan O.M. No.2
Mellette, SD
Low Hazard 25 ftFreeman Dam
Jackson, SD
Low Hazard 23 ftIwan O.M. Number 1
Mellette, SD
Low Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Word?
Word is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Word?
Word is owned by WORD (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Word built?
Word was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Word?
Word 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 Word?
Word has a dam height of 28 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.