Old Town Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Old Town Dam in South Dakota, completed in 1941, stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and water resource management.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 14 feet and a length of 1100 feet, serves the primary purpose of water storage on the TR-CHEYENNE river. Owned and regulated by the local government, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.

Managed by the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Old Town Dam has a maximum storage capacity of 90 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 65 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply for the surrounding area. With state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam is well-regulated to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Old Town Dam is a fascinating example of early 20th-century infrastructure that continues to serve its intended purpose efficiently. As climate change impacts water resources, the management and maintenance of dams like Old Town become increasingly important for sustainable water supply and flood mitigation efforts. With its historical significance and practical functionality, Old Town Dam represents a blend of engineering excellence and environmental stewardship in the realm of water resource management.

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-CHEYENNE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

90

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.