Columbia Road Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Columbia Road Dam, located in South Dakota along the James River, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the U.S.


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Summary

Fish and Wildlife Service. Built in 1939, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 10 feet and spans a length of 3100 feet, with a storage capacity of 41,933 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is to support a Fish and Wildlife Pond, providing essential habitat for local wildlife.

Despite its age, Columbia Road Dam remains in fair condition with a low hazard potential. The dam features a Tainter (radial) outlet gate and has undergone modifications in 1996 to enhance its hydraulic and mechanical functions. With a drainage area of 4140 acres and a surface area of 6050 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and supporting environmental conservation efforts in the region.

Maintaining a regular inspection frequency of 5 years, Columbia Road Dam is continuously monitored to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With its strategic location and significant impact on the surrounding ecosystem, this dam serves as a vital resource for water management and climate resilience in Brown County, South Dakota.

Years Modified

1996 - Hydraulic, 1996 - Mechanical

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

3100

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

JAMES RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6050

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

4140

Nid Storage

41933

Structural Height

11

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial)

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

11
       
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.