Dnot Ratedkee Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Dnot Ratedkee is a state-owned dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along the TR CHEYENNE river.


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Summary

Built by the WPA in 1938, this earth dam stands 31 feet tall and has a hydraulic height of 32 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 1867 acre-feet. While the dam is considered to have a high hazard potential, its current condition is rated as fair, with the last inspection conducted in October 2018.

The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 45 feet, and its drainage area covers 6 square miles. Despite lacking outlet gates, Dnot Ratedkee has a normal storage capacity of 900 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 3645 cubic feet per second. With its moderate risk assessment of 3 on a scale of 1 to 5, this dam is subject to regular inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity and overall safety.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dnot Ratedkee serves as a noteworthy example of early infrastructure development in South Dakota, highlighting the importance of dam safety and risk management in safeguarding communities against potential hazards. As a regulated state structure under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, this dam plays a crucial role in water storage and flood control along the TR CHEYENNE river, demonstrating the intersection of engineering, environmental stewardship, and public safety in managing water resources for the benefit of local populations.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

1010

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR CHEYENNE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

1867

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.