Kyle Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sd Noname 192 May & Sons, Inc.
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Kyle is a federally-owned earth dam located in Oglala Lakota, South Dakota, along the beautiful Medicine Root Creek.
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Summary
Managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Kyle was completed in 1936 with a primary purpose of recreation. Standing at a structural height of 37 feet and a length of 1130 feet, Kyle has a storage capacity of 540 acre-feet, making it a significant water resource in the area.
Despite being a vital recreational spot, Kyle poses a high hazard potential due to its condition assessment being labeled as "Not Available." This raises concerns about the safety of the dam and the surrounding community in case of an emergency. Although the risk assessment categorizes Kyle as "Very High (1)," there is no detailed risk management plan in place. Regular inspections have been scheduled every five years, with the last one conducted in August 2012.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Kyle presents an intriguing case study in dam management and safety. The lack of available information on its condition assessment and risk management measures highlights the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance of critical infrastructure like dams. As climate change brings about more extreme weather events, ensuring the safety and resilience of dams like Kyle becomes even more crucial for the surrounding community and ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
1130 |
River Or Stream |
MEDICINE ROOT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
540 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
37 |
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.
Kyle