Brakke Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lee Anderson Fate Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Brakke Dam, located in Kennebec, South Dakota, is a state-owned structure that plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
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Summary
Completed in 1937, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a storage capacity of 1016 acre-feet, providing essential flood control and water supply benefits to the surrounding areas. Situated on the TR-Medicine Creek, the dam is regulated and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance.
With a significant hazard potential, Brakke Dam is a key piece of infrastructure in the St. Paul District, serving as a vital barrier against potential flooding events. The dam's inspection frequency of 3 years reflects the importance placed on its upkeep and safety measures. While its condition assessment is currently not rated, efforts are underway to ensure that emergency action plans are in place and meet the necessary guidelines for effective risk management. As a valuable resource in the region, Brakke Dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to safeguard water resources and mitigate the impacts of climate variability.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MEDICINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
13 |
Nid Storage |
1016 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
29 |
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 |
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
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.
Brakke Dam