Fate Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brakke Dam Leichtnam Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Fate Dam, located in Lyman, South Dakota, along Nail Creek, is a state-regulated earth dam with a height of 25 feet and a length of 750 feet.
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Summary
Built in 1938, the dam serves multiple purposes including water storage and flood control, with a capacity of 2754 acre-feet. It is under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
With a low hazard potential, Fate Dam has not been rated for its condition but undergoes inspections every three years to monitor its structural integrity. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 6671 cubic feet per second, providing essential water resource management for the surrounding area. Despite not having an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, the dam continues to meet guidelines and serve as a vital infrastructure for water management in the region. Water and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Fate Dam for its historical significance, engineering design, and contribution to sustainable water resource management in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
NAIL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
29 |
Nid Storage |
2754 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Little White R Near Rosebud Sd
|
96cfs |
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.
Fate Dam