Dams in Brown County, South Dakota
13Total Dams
3High Hazard
1Significant
Dam Safety in Brown County, South Dakota
Brown County has 13 dams tracked in the National Inventory of Dams. Of these, 3 are classified as high hazard — meaning failure would probably cause loss of human life. Another 1 carry a significant hazard classification. Currently, 2 dams have a condition assessment of poor or unsatisfactory.
The average dam in Brown County is 78 years old. The most common purpose is recreation. The tallest dam is Richmond at 52 ft.
Explore more: Oldest dams in South Dakota · Tallest dams · High risk dams · Largest reservoirs
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.
| Dam | Hazard | Condition | Height (ft) | Purpose | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | High | Poor | 52 | Recreation | 1935 |
| Elm Lake Dam | High | Satisfactory | 52 | Water Supply | 1937 |
| Willow Creek | High | Fair | 49 | Water Supply | 1934 |
| Hanson Pond | Significant | 15 | Irrigation | 1910 | |
| Frederick | Low | 20 | Recreation | 1931 | |
| Tacoma Park | Low | 20 | Recreation | 1935 | |
| Pigors Dam | Low | 20 | Recreation | 1937 | |
| Bill Welk Dam | Low | 15 | Fish and Wildlife Pond | 1996 | |
| Highland | Low | 14 | Recreation | 1937 | |
| Columbia Road Dam | Low | Fair | 11 | Fish and Wildlife Pond | 1939 |
| Dry Run Subimpoundment | Low | 10 | Fish and Wildlife Pond | 1994 | |
| Casanova Gpa | Low | 9 | Fish and Wildlife Pond | 1995 | |
| Houghton Dam | Low | Poor | 7 | Fish and Wildlife Pond | 1938 |