Carthage Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Carthage, a state-owned dam located in South Dakota along the Redstone Creek, was completed in 1964 by the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks department.


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Summary

This Earth dam stands at 24 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 26 feet, serving the primary purpose of water resource management. With a storage capacity of 7000 acre-feet and a drainage area of 160 square miles, Carthage plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing essential water resources to the surrounding area.

Despite its low hazard potential, Carthage undergoes regular inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 200 feet and vertical lift outlet gates. The risk assessment for Carthage is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the structure in the face of changing climate conditions and water resource demands.

Located in Miner County, Carthage is a key component of the water infrastructure in the region, overseen by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. With its vital role in water storage and management, Carthage serves as a critical asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in understanding the impact of dams on water availability and climate resilience in South Dakota.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

1150

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

REDSTONE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

160

Nid Storage

7000

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.
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