Sioux Falls Diversion Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sioux Falls Divers. Weir Nordstrom
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Sioux Falls Diversion, located in Minnehaha, South Dakota, along the Big Sioux River, is a gravity dam completed in 1960 with a height of 21 feet and a storage capacity of 1200 acre-feet.
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Summary
This structure is owned by the local government and regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. It serves a significant purpose in flood control and water management for the city of Sioux Falls, with a maximum discharge capacity of 18600 cubic feet per second.
The dam's condition is currently not rated, but it is considered to have a significant hazard potential. Despite lacking recent inspection data, the dam is regularly permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state regulatory agency. With Dusty Johnson as the representative for the area in Congress, the Sioux Falls Diversion plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and resilience of the community in the face of potential water-related emergencies. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find this dam an essential piece of infrastructure in maintaining the region's water security.
As a key feature in the St. Paul District, Sioux Falls Diversion serves as a vital component in the overall water management strategy for South Dakota. Its design and construction reflect the importance of controlling water flow and preventing potential flooding events along the Big Sioux River. With a history dating back to the 1960s, this gravity dam continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding the city of Sioux Falls and its surrounding areas from the impacts of extreme weather events and ensuring sustainable water resource management for the community.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
82 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
BIG SIOUX RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
1200 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Sioux Falls Diversion