Silver Creek Watershed Dt Dam S-5 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Silver Creek Watershed Dt Dam S-5, located in Minnehaha County, South Dakota, is a locally-owned earth dam constructed in 1960 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This dam, standing at a height of 22 feet and a length of 855 feet, serves the primary purpose of water resource management for the tributary of Silver Creek. With a storage capacity of 437 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 3000 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and mitigating flood risks in the area.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not yet rated for its condition, the dam remains an essential asset for water supply and climate resilience in the region. With its designer being the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and federal partners in safeguarding water resources and enhancing environmental sustainability.
While lacking certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan and updated contact information, the Silver Creek Watershed Dt Dam S-5 continues to play a vital role in water management for the surrounding community. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor and support the upkeep of such critical infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of our natural resources in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
855 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. SILVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
437 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Silver Creek Watershed Dt Dam S-5