RAPID CITY, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Department is closing a Butte County lake.
“As a result of the high water this spring, the outlet structure at Newell Lake was severely damaged and no longer able to function properly,” said GFP regional fisheries supervisor Jake Davis.
“In an effort to create storage for upcoming spring run-off, a draw-down of the lake occurred this fall. However, at the conclusion of the draw-down, additional issues with the integrity of the dam were identified. As a result of this, the decision has been made to continue to drain the lake and close it to the public until further notice.”
Butte County Sheriff Fred Lamphee says access to the lake is barricaded at Highway 79 and Newell Lake Road.
