Summary
Built in 1935 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this earth dam stands at 20 feet in height and spans 100 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk rating of 3, Tacoma Park is designated as not rated for its current condition assessment.
Despite being state-regulated and under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Tacoma Park has not been inspected recently and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). While the dam has an uncontrolled spillway and no outlet gates, its risk management measures and inundation maps are not readily available. As climate and water resource enthusiasts, the data on Tacoma Park presents an opportunity to advocate for regular inspections, updated emergency plans, and enhanced risk assessment protocols to ensure the safety and environmental sustainability of this infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
JAMES RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James R At Columbia Sd
|
268cfs |
Elm R At Westport Sd
|
12cfs |
Foot Creek Near Aberdeen
|
0cfs |
James R Near Stratford Sd
|
409cfs |
James River At Nd-Sd State Line
|
194cfs |
Maple R At Nd-Sd State Line
|
5cfs |
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.
Tacoma Park