Red Owl Reservoir Report
Nearby: D. Keffeler Bruch Bros. No.2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Red Owl is a local government-owned dam in South Dakota, specifically located in Meade County.
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Summary
Built in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Red Owl dam stands at a height of 36 feet and has a length of 540 feet. It serves the primary purpose of water resource management, with a storage capacity of 260 acre-feet and a drainage area of 6 square miles.
The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, with a fair condition assessment as of September 2018. Despite its age, the Red Owl dam is maintained and regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, ensuring that it remains in compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement standards. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 70 feet, and it is situated on the TR-Red Owl Creek, a tributary that contributes to the overall water system in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Red Owl represents a significant infrastructure piece in the St. Paul District's water management system. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks, ensuring water supply reliability, and supporting the environmental health of the surrounding area. Despite its moderate risk level and fair condition rating, the Red Owl dam continues to be a vital component of South Dakota's water infrastructure landscape.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TR-RED OWL CK. |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
36 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
260 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Horse Cr Above Vale Sd
|
13cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
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.
Red Owl