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. 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.