Christensen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lee Dam Canton Dam No.1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Christensen Dam, located in Lincoln, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1987 with a height of 22 feet and a length of 675 feet.
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Summary
The dam's primary purpose is to control the flow of the tributary of the Big Sioux River and it has a maximum storage capacity of 217 acre-feet. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Although the dam's condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated," its risk assessment is moderate, with a score of 3 out of 5. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway type and a maximum discharge capacity of 1400 cubic feet per second. The last inspection of Christensen Dam took place in September 1989, and it is stated that the dam has not been modified since its completion.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Christensen Dam serves as a vital infrastructure in managing water flow in the region and plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage. Its design and construction reflect the importance of sustainable water management practices in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against potential risks and hazards.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
675 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. BIG SIOUX RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
9 |
Nid Storage |
217 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Christensen Dam