Little White River Dike Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The Little White River Dike, located in TUTHILL, South Dakota, is a federal-owned structure designed to manage the flow of the Little White River.
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Summary
Constructed in 1934, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a hydraulic height of 21 feet. With a dam length of 4070 feet and a drainage area of 204 square miles, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 6100 cubic feet per second.
This dike plays a crucial role in flood control and water resource management in the region, providing storage of up to 2600 acre-feet of water. Despite its age, the Little White River Dike has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. While it is not regulated, permitted, or inspected by the state, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events.
As a significant infrastructure for the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Little White River Dike stands as a testament to the importance of proper water resource management and climate resilience. With its historical significance and ongoing operational effectiveness, this structure showcases the essential role that dams and dikes play in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events and changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1934 |
Dam Length |
4070 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE WHITE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
204 |
Nid Storage |
2600 |
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.
Little White River Dike