Built in 1952 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth-type dam stands at 20 feet high and spans 250 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet, Tadpole serves primarily for flood control purposes with a low hazard potential.
Although not currently rated for its condition, Tadpole is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement actions. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 2100 cubic feet per second, ensuring the protection of downstream communities in the event of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Tadpole to be an interesting case study in dam safety and regulation within the state of South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB N FORK GRAND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
51 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bowman-Haley Lake
|
||
Gascoyne Lake City
|
||
Mirror Lake City Park
|
||
Picnic Spring
|
||
Picnic Spring Campground
|
||
Haynes City Park
|