Sturgis #5 is an earth dam located in Meade County, South Dakota, built in 1959. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
Dam profile
NID height · 44 ft44 ft tall and 290 ft long, taller than 89% 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 Sturgis #5
The primary purpose of Sturgis #5 is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City of Sturgis (local government). It impounds the Alakli Creek near Sturgis.
The dam stands 44 feet tall and stretches 290 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 90 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1959, 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. The most recent inspection on record was 08/01/1986. That was over 40 years ago.
At 44 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | South Dakota |
| County | Meade |
| Nearest City | Sturgis |
| River/Stream | Alakli Creek |
| Coordinates | 44.35166, -103.52332 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Length | 290 ft |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 90 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 90 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 45 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 210 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Sturgis |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not assessed |
| Last Inspection | 08/01/1986 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | SD02258 |
| Federal ID | SD02258 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |