Alvin Reservoir Report
Nearby: Evenson Klondike Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Alvin, located in Lincoln, South Dakota, is a state-owned earth dam completed in 1954 with a primary purpose of regulating Nine Mile Creek.
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Summary
The dam stands at 36 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a length of 600 feet, providing a storage capacity of 2150 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Alvin is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway measuring 60 feet wide, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area during times of high discharge.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alvin undergoes regular inspections every three years, with the last assessment conducted in October 2016. While the dam's condition remains unrated, its emergency action plan status, risk management measures, and adherence to regulatory guidelines are currently undisclosed. With Dusty Johnson (R) serving as the representative of the area in the U.S. House of Representatives, Alvin's critical role in water resource management in Canton is overseen by state authorities to ensure its continued operation and safety for the community.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be fascinated by Alvin's unique design by Benson & Schmitz, its robust construction using soil foundations and buttress core types, and its vital role in regulating water flow in the region. As a key infrastructure in the St. Paul District managed by the state of South Dakota, Alvin serves as a testament to effective dam management practices and the importance of maintaining and inspecting such structures to mitigate potential risks. With its moderate risk assessment and low hazard potential, Alvin stands as a crucial component of the water resource system in Lincoln, South Dakota, contributing to the overall environmental sustainability and resilience of the area.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
NINE MILE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
2150 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
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.
Alvin