Dante Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Dante Lake Dam, located in South Dakota on TR-CHOTEAU CREEK, is a state-regulated earth dam with a height of 30 feet and a length of 400 feet.


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Summary

Built in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this dam serves the primary purpose of water storage, with a maximum storage capacity of 483 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 206 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

Operated by the state of South Dakota, Dante Lake Dam is inspected regularly, with the last inspection conducted in October 2016. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet and has no outlet gates. Despite being in good condition and not currently rated, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status is unclear, and its risk management measures are unspecified. With a drainage area of 3 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 2525 cubic feet per second, Dante Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Situated in Charles Mix County, South Dakota, Dante Lake Dam is a vital infrastructure for flood control and water supply management in the region. The dam's association with the State Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) ensures its compliance with state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With Dusty Johnson (R) as the Congressional representative overseeing the area, Dante Lake Dam stands as a key component in safeguarding water resources and mitigating climate-related risks in the state.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-CHOTEAU CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

483

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.