K Lazy K Ranch Reservoir Report
Nearby: L. Runestad M. Oehlerking
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
K Lazy K Ranch, located in Hyde County, South Dakota, is a privately owned property with a dam structure that regulates the West Fork Elm Creek.
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Summary
This earth dam, completed in 1938, stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. The dam serves a primary purpose of water resource management and flood control, with a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the K Lazy K Ranch dam undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 12,000 cubic feet per second, with a normal storage level of 52 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources in the area and mitigating potential flood risks along West Fork Elm Creek.
With the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers not involved in its management, the K Lazy K Ranch dam remains a key infrastructure for water resource enthusiasts and climate advocates in the region. Its historical significance, low hazard potential, and state-regulated status make it a noteworthy site for those interested in the intersection of water management, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
910 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
WEST FORK ELM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
200 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
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.
K Lazy K Ranch