Wolf Creek Reservoir Report
Nearby: Chief Dam White Clay
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Wolf Creek is a crucial water resource in South Dakota, specifically in the city of Pine Ridge.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this federal irrigation project was completed in 1965 and serves the primary purpose of providing water for agricultural activities. With a structural height of 27 feet and a length of 700 feet, the earth dam on Wolf Creek has a significant hazard potential, with a very high risk rating assigned to it.
Despite being a federal project, Wolf Creek is not regulated by the state of South Dakota and does not require state permitting or inspections. The dam's controlled spillway and rock foundation contribute to its stability, while its maximum storage capacity is 370 acre-feet. While the dam's condition assessment is not currently available, its risk assessment is marked as very high, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
Wolf Creek's location in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, makes it a vital water source for irrigation and recreation. With Dusty Johnson as the local congressional representative, stakeholders and enthusiasts in water resources and climate may be interested in the management and maintenance of this federal dam project.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
700 |
River Or Stream |
WOLF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
370 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Wolf Creek