Near Pickstown in Gregory County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Fort Randall Dam - Lake Francis Case
October 21, 2023
1. Fort Randall Dam - Lake Francis Case Marker
Fort Randall Dam
Construction Period: 1946-1956
Length: 10,700 ft
Width at Base: 4,300 ft
Max. Height: 165 ft
Type: Rolled Earth Fill
Earth Fill: 50 million cu yds
Concrete: 961,000 cu yds.
Record Discharge: 169,800 cfs (July 2011)
Lake Francis Case
Length of Reservoir: 107 mi
Length of Shoreline (El. 1,375): 567 miles
Surface Area (El. 1,375): 102,000 acres
Max. Depth (El. 1,375): 140 ft
Water Capacity (El. 1,375): 5,700,000 acre ft, Approx. 1.857 trillion gal
Record Pool: 1,374 ft (July 2011)
Powerhouse
Tunnels: 8
Tunnel Diameter: 22 ft each
Eight Generators: 40,000 kW each
Total Generating Capacity: 320,000 kW
Outlet Works
Tunnels: 4
Tunnel Diameter: 22 ft each
Discharge Capacity: 128,000 cfs
Spillway
Number of Tainter Gates: 21
Gate Dimensions: 40 ft W x 29 ft H
Discharge Capacity (El. 1,375): 508,000 cfs
Concrete Surface Area: 40 acres
Intake
Tunnel Depth (El. 1,375): 146 ft
Tunnel Length: 1,074 ft
Captions:
Photo taken in January 1953 during the construction of the dam with the reservoir elevation at 1255 feet.
1945 Aerial with 2010 Water & Streets Overlayed
2010
this page online
Erected by US Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1945.
Location. 43° 2.576′ N, 98° 34.359′ W. Marker is near Pickstown, South Dakota, in Gregory County. It can be reached from U.S. 18 west of Toe Road West, on the right when traveling east. Located at a scenic overlook west of the Fort Randall Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fairfax SD 57335, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in East River. It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Guardian of the Frontier (here, next to this marker); The Great Missouri River (a few steps from this marker); Fort Randall Cemetery (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Fort Randall Cemetery (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Randall Cemetery (about 700 feet away); Fort Randall (approx. 0.7 miles away); Spiritual & Social Sustenance (approx. 0.7 miles away); Plat of Fort Randall (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pickstown.
October 21, 2023
2. Fort Randall Dam - Lake Francis Case Marker
The Fort Randall Dam can be seen in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2023. This page has been viewed 209 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2023.
