Vogeler Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Faulkton Dam Lathum Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Vogeler Lake in Faulk, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
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Summary
With a height of 18 feet and a length of 745 feet, it has a storage capacity of 180 acre-feet, making it a crucial water resource in the region. The dam is situated on the TR-SNAKE river and is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).
Despite its low hazard potential, Vogeler Lake plays a significant role in managing water flow and providing irrigation for surrounding areas. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 560 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, regular inspections are conducted to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management measures to mitigate potential hazards.
Vogeler Lake stands as a historical landmark and a vital component of the local water infrastructure, serving as a testament to the New Deal era construction efforts. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Vogeler Lake for sustainable water management becomes increasingly crucial. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Vogeler Lake is essential in ensuring the resilience of our water systems in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
745 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SNAKE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
180 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
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 |
Elm R At Westport Sd
|
12cfs |
James R At Columbia Sd
|
268cfs |
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.
Vogeler Lake