Varilek Fishpond #1 is an earth dam located in Charles Mix County, South Dakota, built in 1970. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
Dam profile
NID height · 30 ft30 ft tall and 332 ft long, taller than 68% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Varilek Fishpond #1
The primary purpose of Varilek Fishpond #1 is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Varilek Angus LLC (private). It impounds the Spring Creek-tr near None on Flood Plain.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 332 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 135 acre-feet. Completed in 1970, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life.
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Location
| State | South Dakota |
| County | Charles Mix |
| Nearest City | None on Flood Plain |
| River/Stream | Spring Creek-tr |
| Coordinates | 43.15088, -98.70192 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 332 ft |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 135 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 135 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 64 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 970 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | Varilek Angus LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not assessed |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | SD00225 |
| Federal ID | SD00225 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |