Copeland Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: C Mccormick Dam C Klein Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Copeland Dam, located on Big Eagle Creek in Todd, South Dakota, is a private dam that serves multiple purposes, including water storage and flood control.
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Summary
Completed in 1973, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a storage capacity of 410 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Copeland Dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 132 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 2330 cubic feet per second. Despite not having outlet gates, Copeland Dam effectively manages water flow in the area, helping to prevent flooding and provide a stable water supply for nearby communities. The dam's condition is currently rated as "Not Rated," indicating the need for further assessment to determine its overall structural integrity and operational efficiency.
As a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region, Copeland Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the environment and supporting sustainable development. With its strategic location and design, this dam contributes to the overall resilience of the watershed and enhances climate adaptation efforts in the face of changing weather patterns. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of Copeland Dam in ensuring water security and mitigating potential risks associated with extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
BIG EAGLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
100 |
Nid Storage |
410 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Niobrara River Near Sparks
|
969cfs |
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
Little White R Near Rosebud Sd
|
96cfs |
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
Long Pine Creek Near Riverview
|
191cfs |
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.
Copeland Dam