Talley Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Russell Dam Cecil Vig
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Talley Dam, located in Meade, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure built in 1938 with a primary dam type of Earth.
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Summary
This dam, standing at 22 feet tall and spanning 520 feet in length, serves the purpose of regulating water flow in the TR CHEYENNE river. With a low hazard potential and a capacity to store 158 acre-feet of water, Talley Dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Talley Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities. Although its condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated," the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are yet to be fully documented. With a maximum discharge capacity of 4400 cubic feet per second, Talley Dam is a crucial infrastructure for flood control and water management in the area.
Despite its age, Talley Dam continues to operate effectively, meeting the state's regulatory standards and ensuring the safety of nearby communities. As a vital component in the St. Paul District's water resource management system, Talley Dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for climate resilience and sustainable water use in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
520 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
158 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
Horse Cr Above Vale Sd
|
13cfs |
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
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.
Talley Dam