Zell Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Zell Lake Dam, located in Faulk, South Dakota, is a Federal-owned structure under the jurisdiction of the Fish and Wildlife Service.


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Summary

Built in 1930, this Earth-type dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond for the primary purpose of supporting local aquatic habitats. With a height of 11 feet and a length of 560 feet, the dam has a capacity to store 480 acre-feet of water, with a normal storage level of 368 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential, Zell Lake Dam is currently in poor condition and has undergone structural modifications in 1969 and 1979. The spillway, which is uncontrolled and 68 feet wide, allows for a maximum discharge of 2220 cubic feet per second in case of overflow. With a risk assessment rating of moderate, efforts to improve the dam's condition and management measures may be necessary to ensure the safety and longevity of this important water resource infrastructure. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Zell Lake Dam to be a captivating site that plays a critical role in supporting local wildlife and ecosystems.

Years Modified

1969 - Structural, 1979 - Structural

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Dove Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

100

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

480

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.