Mule Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dry Draw Dam Henry Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mule Creek Dam, located in Fall River, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure that serves a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the area.
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Summary
Built in 1952 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 1300 feet, providing a storage capacity of 576 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Cheyenne river, the dam helps regulate water flow and mitigate flood risks in the region while supporting agricultural and environmental needs.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Mule Creek Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. While the dam has not been significantly modified in recent years, it undergoes regular inspections and is permitted and regulated by state authorities to ensure its safe operation. Despite its modest size, Mule Creek Dam plays a vital role in water storage and flood control efforts in the surrounding area, contributing to the overall water security and climate resilience of the region.
With a capacity to discharge up to 1300 cubic feet per second and a normal storage level of 480 acre-feet, Mule Creek Dam stands as a testament to the importance of investing in sustainable water infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, structures like Mule Creek Dam serve as critical components in adapting to a changing environment and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water management practices in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
1300 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
576 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Mule Creek Dam