Wanblee Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sd Noname 186 John Alley
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Wanblee Lake Dam, located in South Dakota, was completed in 1935 and is a private-owned structure that regulates the flow of Craven Creek.
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Summary
This earth-type dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 160 acre-feet. The dam serves a significant hazard potential and falls under state regulation, with inspection, permitting, and enforcement processes in place.
Despite being built over 85 years ago, Wanblee Lake Dam has not been rated for its current condition. The last inspection took place in 1979, highlighting the need for updated assessments and potential risk management measures. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and overall risk assessment remain unclear, raising concerns about its ability to withstand future climate challenges.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Wanblee Lake Dam's historical significance and potential risks intriguing. With its proximity to the St. Paul District and the limited information available on its current condition, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure to adapt to changing environmental conditions and ensure the safety of surrounding communities.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
610 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
CRAVEN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
13 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Wanblee Lake Dam