Medenwald Wpa Reservoir Report
Nearby: Tyler Dam Ringer Wpa
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Medenwald Wpa, located in Marshall, South Dakota, is a federally-owned earth dam constructed in 1989 with a primary purpose of flood control on the TRIB.
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Summary
SHORTFOOT CREEK. With a dam height of 13 feet and a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Despite being classified as low hazard potential with a "Not Rated" condition assessment, the dam has not been inspected recently, raising concerns about its current state and readiness for potential emergencies.
Managed by the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Medenwald Wpa stands as a vital infrastructure for water management in South Dakota. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1900 cubic feet per second, the dam serves to protect downstream areas from flooding and helps regulate water flow in the region. However, the lack of recent inspections and condition assessments raises questions about the reliability and safety of this structure, especially in the face of changing climate patterns and increased risk of extreme weather events.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor the impacts of climate change on water infrastructure, the condition and maintenance of dams like Medenwald Wpa become increasingly important. With uncertainties looming over the infrastructure's readiness for emergencies and its long-term resilience to a changing climate, there is a pressing need for updated assessments and inspections to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this critical water management structure in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1989 |
Dam Length |
170 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. SHORTFOOT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
13 |
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.
Medenwald Wpa