South Dakota has over 150 reservoirs and dams, with major reservoirs including Oahe, Sharpe, Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark. These reservoirs are fed by tributaries of the Missouri River, such as the James, White, and Cheyenne rivers. Snowpack in the Rocky Mountains, especially in Colorado and Wyoming, is a major source of water for these tributaries. Hydrology in the area is heavily influenced by seasonal trends, with high flows in the spring due to snowmelt and lower flows in the summer and fall. There have been several record high flows in recent years, including the historic flooding of the Missouri River in 2011. Drought conditions have also been an issue in some areas, leading to decreased water levels and increased concern for water use.
The USA is home to many of the largest dams in the world, providing essential services such as water storage, hydropower generation, and flood control. Among them, Oroville Dam stands out as the tallest dam in the United States, located in northern California. Another famous dam is the Hoover Dam, located on the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada. It is a major tourist attraction and an engineering marvel of the modern era, providing hydropower and water storage for millions of people.
Other notable dams in the USA include the Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona, which is the second-highest concrete arch dam in the country, and the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington, which is the largest electric power-producing facility in the USA. These dams are a critical component of the country's infrastructure, providing essential services for the economy, society, and the environment.
Reservoir
Storage Capacity (acre-ft)
Drought Levels
By water storage capacity
The number and distribution of dams and reservoirs in the USA have been significantly impacted by climate change. The changing climate has led to changes in precipitation patterns, increased evaporation rates, and more frequent and severe droughts and floods in certain regions. These factors have influenced the management and operations of dams and reservoirs across the country.