Lathum Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Vogeler Lake Rausch Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lathum Dam, located in Faulk County, South Dakota, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1939 with a height of 22 feet and a length of 850 feet.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam, situated on the South Fork Snake Creek, serves multiple purposes including flood control, irrigation, and water storage. With a storage capacity of 634 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
The dam's spillway, with a width of 125 feet, is uncontrolled, and the maximum discharge capacity is 3350 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified with a significant hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate with a rating of 3. Regular inspections are conducted every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Lathum Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water infrastructure in mitigating climate-related risks and ensuring sustainable water management practices in the area.
Owned and regulated by the state of South Dakota, Lathum Dam is a key component of the local water resource management system. Although its condition is currently not rated, the dam continues to play a vital role in water storage and flood control efforts in the region. With its WPA-designed structure and historical significance, Lathum Dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure to address the challenges posed by climate change and ensure water security for future generations.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
850 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK SNAKE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
20 |
Nid Storage |
634 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James R At Ashton Sd
|
418cfs |
James R Near Redfield Sd
|
468cfs |
James R Near Stratford Sd
|
409cfs |
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.
Lathum Dam