Lakota Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lakota is a Federal-owned recreational dam located in Custer, South Dakota, along the Iron Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1962 by the USDA Forest Service, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 42 feet and stretches 410 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 705 acre-feet, the dam primarily serves the purpose of creating a fish and wildlife pond as well as offering recreational opportunities in the area.

Despite its high hazard potential, Lakota has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam's inspection frequency is set at once per year, with the last inspection conducted in September 2019. While the risk assessment categorizes Lakota as having a moderate risk level, there are no documented emergency action plans, inundation maps, or risk management measures in place.

Located within the oversight of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Lakota poses challenges for water resource and climate enthusiasts due to its high hazard potential and lack of comprehensive risk management protocols. Monitoring and evaluating the dam's condition, as well as developing emergency response plans, are essential steps moving forward to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

410

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

IRON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

32

Nid Storage

705

Structural Height

47

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

47
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.