Andrews Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Schaefer Dam 1 Crystal Lake Dam 1084
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Andrews Dam, located in Ardmore, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure that plays a vital role in irrigation in the region.
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Summary
Completed in 1936, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 780 feet, with a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safe operation and compliance with state regulations.
While Andrews Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential, its condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and potential upgrades. The last inspection in July 2018 revealed this assessment, prompting a closer look at the structure's safety and functionality. Despite these concerns, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of irrigation, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of water resource infrastructure in the area.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor the condition of dams like Andrews Dam to ensure sustainable water management practices and the protection of surrounding communities and ecosystems. By staying informed about the state of these structures and advocating for necessary improvements, we can contribute to the resilience of our water resources in the face of a changing climate and increasing demand.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
780 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOWBELLY CANYON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
77 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Andrews Dam