Nolan Dam dam
Nolan Dam
Nolan Dam, located in South Dakota along Trib. 1st Black Canyon, is a federal-owned structure completed in 1992 with a primary dam type of Earth. Standing at 25 feet in height and stretching 510 feet in length, the dam boasts a maximum storage capacity of 94 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 43 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated," Nolan Dam serves as a vital resource for water management and conservation in the region.
Managed by the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Nolan Dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing essential storage for the surrounding area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 570 cubic feet per second, the dam ensures flood control and water supply for downstream communities. Despite not being state-regulated or inspected, the dam's stable condition and low hazard potential indicate a successful track record in maintaining safety and efficiency.
As a key feature in water resource management, Nolan Dam contributes to the environmental sustainability and climate resilience of Fall River, South Dakota. With its strategic location and capacity for water storage, the dam plays a significant role in mitigating the impact of extreme weather events and supporting the overall health of the local ecosystem. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Nolan Dam stands as a symbol of effective infrastructure that balances the needs of both human communities and the natural environment.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Nolan Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne R Near Buffalo Gap Sd | 56 cfs | → |
| Beaver Cr Near Buffalo Gap Sd | 2 cfs | → |
| Cheyenne River At Redshirt | 62 cfs | → |
| White R Near Oglala Sd | 101 cfs | → |
| Battle Cr Below Hermosa Sd | 2 cfs | → |
| Horsehead Cr At Oelrichs Sd | · | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Nolan Dam.
Boat launches
- Fall River County
- South Boat Ramp Road Fall River County
- Sheps Canyon Road Fall River County
- County Highway 6d Fall River County
Campgrounds
- French Creek
- French Creek Campground
- French Creek Camping Area
- Angostura State Rec Area
- Elk Mountain Campground
- Elk Mountain - Wind Cave National Park
Track Nolan Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Nolan Dam
Where does the data for Nolan Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Nolan Dam.