Safety at New Heights: Tribal One’s Commitment at Angostura Dam Hot Springs, SD

Tribal One is known for delivering unique, high-impact projects for government clients, but above all, safety remains the cornerstone of every job site. That unwavering commitment is front and center at the spillway concrete repair project at Angostura Dam.

 A Legacy of Infrastructure: Completed in 1949, Angostura Dam is a composite structure featuring a gated concrete spillway and expansive earth embankments. Spanning 2,030 feet in length and rising nearly 200 feet high, the dam plays a vital role in regional water management. Now, more than 70 years later, crews face the formidable task of repairing aging concrete—while suspended over 100 feet above the riverbed.

The Work in Motion The project is driven by two primary components:

• Establishing Safe Access: A new access road and staging area were constructed down to the riverbed, allowing equipment and materials to be positioned close to the dam.
• Executing Elevated Repairs: Swing-stage scaffolding was installed from the top of the dam, providing a secure platform for crews to carry out concrete demolition and restoration.

To minimize environmental impact, the team utilized ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and hydro demolition equipment anchored directly to the dam’s face. A custom-engineered gutter system captures water and debris, ensuring that nothing enters the Cheyenne River untreated.

Each day, a team of skilled tradesmen works suspended along the dam’s face, secured by scaffolding and safety lifelines. Damaged concrete is meticulously removed and replaced with shotcrete, all under the close coordination of inspectors, foremen, and supervisors.

Safety at the Forefront: Leading the charge is Tribal One’s Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO), Cori White. Every morning begins with a thorough safety briefing, including a review of the day’s work plan and Activity Hazard Analyses (AHAs). Before any task begins, Cori inspects scaffolding, ladders, rigging, fall protection systems, and site conditions to ensure full compliance with Tribal One’s rigorous safety standards.

Throughout the day, Cori remains actively engaged—monitoring work, verifying proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensuring lifelines are correctly managed. His proactive, hands-on approach ensures that no detail is overlooked.

The Mission: Cori’s mission is simple yet essential: every worker goes home in the same condition they arrive healthy and injury-free.

At Tribal One, safety isn’t just a policy, it’s a promise. With dedicated professionals like Cori White at the helm, we continue to uphold our commitment to protecting every individual who steps onto our job sites.