Herrick Lake dam
Herrick Lake
Herrick Lake in Gregory, South Dakota is a state-regulated water resource with a dam completed in 1937. This dam, primarily an Earth type structure, stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 1000 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 150 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 255 acre-feet, this reservoir plays a crucial role in managing water flow from the TR-PONCA CK river or stream. The dam also has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in May 2017.
This scenic lake serves as a vital water source and recreational area for the surrounding community, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Despite its age, Herrick Lake continues to be a reliable water resource, reflecting the importance of proper maintenance and regulation. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), with regular inspections and enforcement ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Herrick Lake presents a fascinating case study in the management of a man-made reservoir in a rural setting. Its history dating back to the 1930s and its ongoing role in water regulation highlight the intersection of human intervention and natural ecosystems. As efforts to address climate change intensify, understanding the role of dams like Herrick Lake in water conservation and management becomes increasingly crucial for sustainable resource utilization and environmental stewardship.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Herrick Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Platte Creek Near Platte | 0 cfs | → |
| Niobrara River At Mariaville | 1,150 cfs | → |
| Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd | 52 cfs | → |
| Long Pine Creek Near Riverview | 200 cfs | → |
| Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd | 23 cfs | → |
| White R Near Oacoma Sd | 100 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Herrick Lake.
Boat launches
- North Wheeler Road Charles Mix County
- State Highway 44 Charles Mix County
- Buryanek Road Gregory County
- Gregory County
- Hull Lake Wma
Track Herrick Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Herrick Lake
Where does the data for Herrick Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Herrick Lake.