Hickman Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mikkelson Dam Peters Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Hickman Dam, located in Marshall, South Dakota, is a state-owned structure built in 1939 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet, serving the purpose of regulating flow on the TRCROWCREEKJAMES river. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Hickman Dam has not been rated for its condition, but is inspected every three years to ensure its safety and functionality.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet, and has not undergone any significant modifications since its completion. It is designed to withstand normal storage levels of 184 acre-feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 1527 cubic feet per second. With the responsibility for inspection, permitting, and enforcement falling under the state jurisdiction, Hickman Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Hickman Dam, while not a high-risk structure, remains a vital component of the local water infrastructure, providing flood control and water regulation services to the surrounding area. Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the dam ensures the safety and sustainability of water resources along the TRCROWCREEKJAMES river, contributing to the overall resilience of the region against potential water-related challenges. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate management will find Hickman Dam to be an intriguing case study in state-owned dam infrastructure and its role in maintaining a balanced water ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
520 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TRCROWCREEKJAMES |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
450 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James R At Columbia Sd
|
268cfs |
Wild Rice River Nr Rutland
|
21cfs |
James River At Nd-Sd State Line
|
194cfs |
Elm R At Westport Sd
|
12cfs |
Maple R At Nd-Sd State Line
|
5cfs |
Foot Creek Near Aberdeen
|
0cfs |
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.
Hickman Dam