Frederick Reservoir Report
Nearby: Willow Creek Ellendale Water Supply
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Brown County, South Dakota, the Frederick dam stands as a critical water resource infrastructure along the Maple River.
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Summary
Built in 1931, this earth dam has a height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 4445 cubic feet per second. The dam is under state regulation and jurisdiction, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement conducted by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, the Frederick dam has not been conditionally assessed. Emergency action plans, inundation maps, and risk management measures are currently not prepared or up to date. The dam's last inspection was in November 2019, and it is considered to meet state guidelines. The surrounding area is under the oversight of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, but the dam itself is not operated by a federal agency, with its primary purpose and associated structures not specified. Climate and water resource enthusiasts would be intrigued by the historical significance and operational details of the Frederick dam, making it a noteworthy site for further exploration and study.
Year Completed |
1931 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
MAPLE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
145 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Maple R At Nd-Sd State Line
|
5cfs |
Elm R At Westport Sd
|
12cfs |
James River At Nd-Sd State Line
|
194cfs |
James R At Columbia Sd
|
268cfs |
Foot Creek Near Aberdeen
|
0cfs |
Bear Creek Nr Oakes
|
5cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Frederick