Alkali Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Moreau Shed Dam Latham Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Alkali Creek Dam, located in Butte, South Dakota, is a federal-owned structure managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
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Summary
This gravity dam serves the primary purpose of creating a fish and wildlife pond, providing valuable habitat for local fauna. The dam stands at a structural height of 31 feet with a hydraulic height of 27 feet, spanning a length of 1157 feet and offering a storage capacity of 205 acre-feet.
Despite its low hazard potential, Alkali Creek Dam has been assessed as unsatisfactory in condition, prompting regular inspections every five years. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and vertical lift outlet gates, ensuring proper water flow management. The risk associated with the dam is moderate, emphasizing the importance of effective risk management measures to maintain its integrity and ensure the safety of its surroundings.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may be intrigued by the unique design and purpose of Alkali Creek Dam, as well as the ongoing efforts to monitor and mitigate potential risks. With its significant contribution to the local ecosystem and water resources, this structure serves as a focal point for conservation and management practices in the region.
Dam Length |
1157 |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
54.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
205 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
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.
Alkali Creek Dam