Sandoz Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Nelson Dam No. 2 Haystack Butte Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sandoz Dam, located in Fall River, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
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Summary
Completed in 1937 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet. It serves the important purpose of regulating Kennedy Creek and has a maximum discharge capacity of 625 cubic feet per second.
Despite its age, Sandoz Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet and no outlet gates. With a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unknown. The surrounding area is considered to have a moderate risk level, making it vital for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and functionality of this crucial water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
325 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
KENNEDY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
63 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Sandoz Dam