Wanblee Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Jackson County, South Dakota, built in 1935. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.

About Wanblee Lake Dam

The primary purpose of Wanblee Lake Dam is fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. The dam maintains a small impoundment used for fire suppression, livestock watering, or as a fish pond. The dam is owned by Joe Kukal (private). It impounds the Craven Creek near Wanblee.

The dam stands 17 feet tall and stretches 610 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 11 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 160 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 13 square miles. Completed in 1935, 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 09/20/1979. That was over 46 years ago.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

Data note: Hazard potential describes the consequences if a dam failed; it does not predict the likelihood of failure. Inspection, condition, and emergency-plan fields can be incomplete or delayed. Check state dam-safety officials and local emergency managers for official guidance.
Significant Hazard Condition

Location

StateSouth Dakota
CountyJackson
Nearest CityWanblee
River/StreamCraven Creek
Coordinates43.55948, -101.66006

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height17 ft
Dam Height17 ft
Dam Length610 ft
Year Completed1935 (91 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage160 acre-ft
Max Storage160 acre-ft
Normal Storage62 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area13 sq mi
Max Discharge3,312 cfs

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond
OwnerJOE KUKAL
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Last Inspection09/20/1979

Identifiers

NID IDSD02128
Federal IDSD02128
More InfoState Dam Safety Program