Salt Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Salt Lake Dam, located in Harding, South Dakota, was completed in 1954 and serves as a critical structure on the Trib S Fork Grand River.


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Summary

This earth dam has a height of 11 feet and a length of 520 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 109 acre-feet. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 120 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1649 cubic feet per second.

Managed by a private owner, Salt Lake Dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk rating. Despite not having a current condition assessment, Salt Lake Dam remains a key component in water resource management in the region.

With its strategic location and importance in water storage and flood control, Salt Lake Dam plays a vital role in the local ecosystem and community resilience. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Salt Lake Dam become increasingly crucial in safeguarding against potential risks and ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

TRIB S FORK GRAND RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

109

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

11
       
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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Area Campgrounds