Jacobs Dam dam
Jacobs Dam
Jacobs Dam, located in Moody, South Dakota, stands as a crucial water resource structure along a tributary of the Big Sioux River. Built in 1987, this earth dam boasts a height of 29 feet and a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet, serving as a vital component for water management in the region. Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ensuring its compliance with state standards for safety and maintenance.
With a low hazard potential and a "Not Rated" condition assessment, Jacobs Dam continues to fulfill its purpose of water storage and flood control effectively. The dam's maximum discharge capacity of 80 cubic feet per second, coupled with its normal storage capacity of 20 acre-feet, highlights its importance in managing water flow and mitigating potential risks during extreme weather events. While the dam has not been rated for its condition, regular inspections by state authorities indicate a commitment to ensuring its structural integrity and operational efficiency.
As a key feature in the local water infrastructure, Jacobs Dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that such structures play in safeguarding communities against the impacts of climate change. With its strategic location and design, this earth dam stands as a testament to the proactive measures taken to protect against flooding and preserve water resources in the region. As climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals alike continue to monitor and assess the impact of climate change on water systems, Jacobs Dam remains a valuable asset in adapting to and mitigating potential risks in a changing climate landscape.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams 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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Jacobs Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Flandreau Cr Above Flandreau Sd | 1 cfs | → |
| Big Sioux River Near Brookings Sd | 280 cfs | → |
| Skunk Cr Nr Chester Sd | 0 cfs | → |
| Big Sioux R Near Dell Rapids Sd | 341 cfs | → |
| Big Sioux River Near Bruce | 250 cfs | → |
| Split Rock Cr At Corson Sd | 11 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Jacobs Dam.
Boat launches
- Sunset Road Brookings County
- Trailer Sanitation Station Pipestone County
- Walkers Point Drive Lake County
- Picnic Point Road Lincoln County
- Split Rock Park Road Garretson
- State Park Drive Lake County
Track Jacobs Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Jacobs Dam
Where does the data for Jacobs Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Jacobs Dam.