East Vermillion Reservoir Report
Nearby: Shaeffer Dam Cooper Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
East Vermillion is a state-owned dam located in Davis, South Dakota, along the East Fork Vermillion River.
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Summary
Built in 1958 by the SD Game, Fish, and Parks agency, this earth dam stands at 41 feet tall and stretches 1489 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 17,400 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and functionality.
The dam's primary purpose is not specified, but it serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region, with a drainage area of 402 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 9840 cubic feet per second. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 300 feet and vertical lift outlet gates. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is categorized as having a moderate risk level, indicating the importance of ongoing risk management measures.
Overall, East Vermillion Dam plays a crucial role in water management and flood control along the Vermillion River. With its historical significance and continued regulatory oversight, the dam remains a key component of the region's water resource infrastructure, providing essential services for both local communities and the environment.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
1489 |
Dam Height |
41 |
River Or Stream |
E FORK VERMILLION RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
41 |
Drainage Area |
402 |
Nid Storage |
17400 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
41 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
East Vermillion