E. Hoffman No. 5 Reservoir Report
Nearby: E. Hoffman No. 6 E. Hoffman No. 7
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
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Summary
Hoffman No. 5 is a privately owned earth dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along the TR MOREAU river. Completed in 1958, this structure stands at a height of 19 feet and has a storage capacity of 79 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge rate of 4000 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a vital resource for managing water flow in the region.
Despite its age, E. Hoffman No. 5 has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and is currently in a condition that has not been rated. While it is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the dam has not undergone a recent inspection or assessment. The absence of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and lack of updates on various safety measures raise concerns about the readiness of this dam to respond to potential emergencies.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, E. Hoffman No. 5 presents an intriguing case study of a historic dam with unknown levels of risk and uncertainty regarding its current condition and safety measures. As efforts to address aging infrastructure and improve resilience to climate change continue, the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness for structures like E. Hoffman No. 5 cannot be understated. Stakeholders and regulators must work together to ensure the safety and reliability of this dam for the surrounding community and ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
560 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
79 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
E. Hoffman No. 5