Coal Springs Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Coal Springs Dam, located in South Dakota, is a state-owned structure that was completed in 1934 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a storage capacity of 1600 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 1218 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-MOREAU river and is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Coal Springs Dam is inspected every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet, designed to handle a maximum discharge of 400 cubic feet per second. Despite not being currently rated for condition assessment, the dam serves as a vital water resource for the region, providing flood control and water storage capabilities for local communities.

The surrounding area of Coal Springs Dam in Perkins County, South Dakota, benefits from the reservoir's storage capacity of 1600 acre-feet, offering a reliable water supply for agricultural irrigation and municipal use. As a significant piece of infrastructure designed during the WPA era, the dam showcases historical engineering methods and continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Year Completed

1934

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR-MOREAU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

31

Nid Storage

1600

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.