Summary
Built in 1934 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Tripp stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 790 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 185 acre-feet. It is situated on TR-Choteau Creek and falls under the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite its low hazard potential, Tripp is subject to regular state inspection, permitting, and enforcement by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 150 feet and a maximum discharge of 5,300 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the risk assessment categorizes Tripp as having a moderate risk level.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Tripp offers an interesting case study in dam infrastructure management and risk assessment. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, Tripp serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical water infrastructure to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1934 |
Dam Length |
790 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHOTEAU CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
185 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James R Near Scotland Sd
|
706cfs |
Ponca Creek At Verdel
|
23cfs |
Bazile Creek Near Niobrara
|
192cfs |
James R Near Mitchell Sd
|
659cfs |
Niobrara River Nr. Verdel
|
517cfs |
Verdigre C Nr Verdigre
|
206cfs |
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.
Tripp