Don Farlee Reservoir Report
Nearby: Glen Holloway G. Holloway
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Don Farlee is a privately owned Earth dam located in Dewey, South Dakota, along the TR MOREAU river.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1938, this dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet for flood control purposes. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," it is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Managed by the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Don Farlee serves as a crucial water resource infrastructure in the region. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 1220 cfs and plays a role in flood risk management for the surrounding area. While its emergency action plan status and risk assessment details are not specified in the data, the dam's operational compliance with state regulations and its minimal hazard potential suggest a well-maintained and secure structure for the local community.
As an integral part of the water resource infrastructure in South Dakota, Don Farlee highlights the importance of proactive regulatory oversight and maintenance of dams for climate resilience and water security. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1930s, this Earth dam continues to play a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of the local residents and ecosystems along the TR MOREAU river.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
90 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
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.
Don Farlee