Chief Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wolf Creek White Clay
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Chief Dam, located in Oglala Lakota, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1960 on Cheyenne Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Standing at a height of 26 feet and stretching 680 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1000 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition remains unrated, with no recent inspection data available.
Owned and regulated by the state of South Dakota, Chief Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). While it meets state permitting requirements and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures, the dam has not been assessed for its emergency action plan (EAP) preparedness or risk management measures. With a conservative approach to risk assessment and an unassigned Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC), Chief Dam remains a topic of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the dam's resilience and potential hazards in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
680 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
CHEYENNE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
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.
Chief Dam