Fort Randall Dam, also known as Lake Francis Case, is a crucial structure located on the Missouri River in South Dakota, designed by the US Army Corps of Engineers to primarily manage flood risk.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1954, this Earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 170 feet and spans a length of 10,700 feet, with a storage capacity of 6.3 million acre-feet. Despite its ability to reduce floods, the dam still poses a high hazard potential due to the risk of erosion, spillway damage, and potential overtopping during extreme flood events.
The USACE Dam Safety Program continuously monitors and assesses the dam's condition to mitigate risks and ensure public safety. Following flooding in 2011, additional instrumentation was installed for enhanced foundation monitoring, and repairs were made to strengthen the spillway's resilience. Communities downstream are advised to stay informed about flood forecasts, evacuation plans, and individual preparedness measures to minimize risks associated with dam failure and potential downstream flooding. For more information on the USACE Dam Safety Program and risk assessments, visit their website at https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Dam-Safety-Program.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
10700 |
River Or Stream |
MISSOURI RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
118400 |
Hydraulic Height |
160 |
Drainage Area |
14150 |
Nid Storage |
6300000 |
Structural Height |
170 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
170 |
Ponca Creek At Verdel
|
23cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
Niobrara River Nr. Verdel
|
517cfs |
Bazile Creek Near Niobrara
|
192cfs |
Verdigre C Nr Verdigre
|
206cfs |
Niobrara River At Mariaville
|
1650cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Randall Creek Park - Lake Francis Case
|
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North Point - Lake Francis Case
|
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Pease Creek Rec Area
|