Draper Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Vik Number 1 Louder Number 1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Draper Dam, located in South Dakota along Medicine Creek, serves as a crucial water resource management structure under the ownership of the Local Government.
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Summary
Completed in 1939, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 553 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 260 acre-feet. The dam plays a significant role in flood control and water storage for the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1970 cubic feet per second.
Despite being of significant hazard potential, Draper Dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in 1980. The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. With its historical importance and ongoing role in water management, Draper Dam continues to be a key infrastructure for safeguarding water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate variability in the region.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
MEDICINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
553 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Draper Dam