Lathum Dam
Lathum Dam is an earth dam located in Faulk County, South Dakota, built in 1939. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Lathum Dam
The primary purpose of Lathum Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by S&pl (state). It impounds the South Fork Snake Creek.
The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 850 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 33 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 634 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 20 square miles. Completed in 1939, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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. The most recent inspection on record was 07/28/2022.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | South Dakota |
| County | Faulk |
| Nearest City | None |
| River/Stream | South Fork Snake Creek |
| Coordinates | 45.01520, -99.42149 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Length | 850 ft |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 634 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 634 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 180 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 33 acres |
| Drainage Area | 20 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,350 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | S&PL |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Last Inspection | 07/28/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | SD00658 |
| Federal ID | SD00658 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |