Ottumwa Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sd Noname 93 Sd Noname 92
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Ottumwa Dam, located in Haakon County, South Dakota, was completed in 1938 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a length of 800 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1000 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with inspections conducted regularly to ensure its safety and integrity.
The Ottumwa Dam serves as a vital structure for water resource management in the region, with a significant hazard potential due to its location and size. Despite not being currently rated for its condition, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage, with a maximum discharge capacity of 2300 cubic feet per second. As climate change impacts water resources, the Ottumwa Dam remains a key infrastructure for ensuring water security and mitigating flood risks in the area.
With its historical significance and continued importance in water management, Ottumwa Dam stands as a testament to the enduring efforts to protect and utilize water resources effectively. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, understanding the role of structures like Ottumwa Dam is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate and ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future. Let us continue to support and prioritize the maintenance and regulation of such essential infrastructure for the benefit of both people and the environment.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
BADRIVEROFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
1000 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Ottumwa Dam