Ray E.
Wind
Humidity
Smith Dam, located in Custer, South Dakota, along Cottonwood Creek, is a privately owned structure with a low hazard potential. Built in 1954 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at 18 feet tall and spans 350 feet in length, providing a maximum storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1100 cubic feet per second.
Despite being in a state-regulated jurisdiction with permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the condition of Ray E. Smith Dam is currently assessed as "Not Rated." While the dam has not been evaluated for risk assessment, emergency action plans, or inundation maps, its low hazard potential indicates a lower likelihood of significant consequences in the event of a failure. With the dam not being under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, ongoing monitoring and maintenance by the private owner are essential to ensure the continued safety and functionality of this vital water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
French Creek
|
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French Creek Campground
|
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French Creek Camping Area
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