Woodruff Reservoir Report
Nearby: Heintz Number 1 Mercer Number 1
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Woodruff Dam, located on the South Medicine Creek in Hughes, South Dakota, was completed in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
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Summary
This earthen dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a length of 975 feet, providing a storage capacity of 540 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water supply, with a maximum discharge capability of 2500 cubic feet per second.
Woodruff Dam is a state-regulated structure, with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in September 2019, with a frequency of every 3 years. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled, with a width of 60 feet.
Despite its age, Woodruff Dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management in the region, ensuring the safety of nearby communities and supporting agricultural activities. As climate change impacts intensify, structures like Woodruff will be essential for mitigating floods and maintaining water security in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
975 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH MEDICINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Nid Storage |
540 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
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.
Woodruff