Arke Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cliff Fees Martin Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Arke Dam, located in South Dakota on the TR-BAD RIVER, is a privately owned Earth dam completed in 1930 with a height of 16 feet and a length of 550 feet.
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Summary
The dam has a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 680 cubic feet per second. Despite being rated as having low hazard potential and not currently assessed for condition, the dam is regulated and permitted by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with inspections and enforcement in place.
Owned by a private entity, Arke Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in Jackson, South Dakota, providing flood protection and water storage for the surrounding area. The dam's design and construction are overseen by the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, with state jurisdiction and regulatory authority ensuring compliance with safety standards and emergency preparedness guidelines. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, it remains an essential structure for maintaining water supply and managing the flow of the TR-BAD RIVER.
With a history dating back to the early 20th century, Arke Dam stands as a testament to the importance of infrastructure in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring sustainable water resource management. As a key component of the local watershed, the dam's role in regulating water flow and storage highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard against potential risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Arke Dam underscores the interconnectedness of water management and environmental resilience in the face of changing weather patterns and increasing water demands.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cedar Pass - Badlands National Park
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Cedar Pass Campground
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Badlands Interior Campground
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Arke Dam