Dry Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bullis Wetland Dam Winter Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Dry Lake Dam, located in Brookings, South Dakota, is a Federal-owned structure designed by Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
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Summary
The dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a primary purpose of providing habitat and water resources for wildlife in the area. Completed in 1997, the dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a storage capacity of 2935 acre-feet, making it a key component in managing water resources in the region.
With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Dry Lake Dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water management in the area. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 50 feet and other controlled outlet gates to regulate water flow. The structure is regularly inspected by the Fish and Wildlife Service, with the last assessment conducted in September 2020. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is categorized as having a very high risk assessment, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality for the surrounding environment and wildlife.
Dry Lake Dam's location in a drainage area with a surface area of 350 acres and a drainage area of 9.73 square miles highlights its significance in mitigating potential water-related risks and providing essential resources for local ecosystems. As a key component in the region's water infrastructure, the dam serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in managing and preserving water resources for both wildlife and the community.
Year Completed |
1997 |
Dam Length |
108 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
DRAINAGE-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Surface Area |
350 |
Hydraulic Height |
7 |
Drainage Area |
9.73 |
Nid Storage |
2935 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Dry Lake Dam