White Clay Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wolf Creek Chief Dam
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
White Clay is a federal-owned dam located in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, along the White Clay Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1936 for the primary purpose of recreation, this earth dam stands at 41 feet tall with a length of 1090 feet, creating a surface area of 75 acres. Despite its small size, White Clay poses a high hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is in charge of ownership, funding, design, construction, regulation, inspection, and operation of this dam.
Due to its high hazard potential and risk assessment, White Clay Dam is closely monitored, with inspections occurring every 5 years. The spillway is controlled with a width of 100 feet, and the dam has no associated locks or outlet gates. The dam's condition assessment is not available, but emergency action plans have been prepared and updated, meeting guidelines as of October 2015. Despite its recreational purpose, the dam's risk level remains a cause for concern, requiring ongoing risk management measures to ensure public safety and water resource sustainability in the area.
White Clay Dam serves as a significant recreational resource for the community, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. However, its high hazard potential underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management to prevent potential disasters. With the Bureau of Indian Affairs overseeing its operations, White Clay continues to be a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, highlighting the intersection of human activity and environmental conservation in the region.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
1090 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
WHITE CLAY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
75 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
41 |
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.
White Clay