Joy Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Louise R. Allgaier
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Joy Dam, located in Hand, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam designed by Ducks Unlimited and completed in 1999.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 18 feet and spans 470 feet along Little Wolf Creek, with a storage capacity of 332 acre-feet. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with inspections and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, Joy Dam has a moderate risk assessment due to its location and potential impact on the surrounding area. The spillway, with a width of 100 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 2480 cubic feet per second. The dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated", indicating a need for further evaluation and potentially the development of an Emergency Action Plan to enhance safety measures in case of a dam failure.
With its strategic placement on Little Wolf Creek and its vital role in water resource management in the region, Joy Dam serves as a noteworthy example of private infrastructure contributing to the broader climate and water management efforts in South Dakota. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate change, the intricacies of Joy Dam's design, operation, and regulatory oversight provide a fascinating case study in sustainable infrastructure development and the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1999 |
Dam Length |
470 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE WOLF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
29 |
Nid Storage |
332 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James R Near Redfield Sd
|
468cfs |
James R At Ashton Sd
|
418cfs |
James R At Huron Sd
|
548cfs |
James R Near Stratford Sd
|
409cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
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.
Joy Dam