Sundell Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Foster Dam Sargent Irrigation Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Sundell Dam, located in Tripp, South Dakota, is a state-regulated earth dam constructed in 1935 across Sand Creek.
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Summary
With a dam height of 20 feet and a length of 1260 feet, it has a storage capacity of 240 acre-feet, providing essential water resource management for the surrounding area. The dam's primary purpose, though unspecified in the data, likely includes flood control, irrigation, and water supply for agricultural and municipal use.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), Sundell Dam has a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated. The dam's last inspection was conducted in October 2017, with a regular inspection frequency of 3 years. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its intended functions effectively, contributing to the local ecosystem's sustainability and climate resilience. As climate change impacts water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Sundell become increasingly crucial to ensure their long-term safety and functionality.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
1260 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
SAND CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
240 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Niobrara River Near Sparks
|
934cfs |
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
Long Pine Creek Near Riverview
|
188cfs |
Little White R Near Rosebud Sd
|
96cfs |
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
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.
Sundell Dam