Harold Meyer Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Harold Meyer is a privately owned dam located in Corson, South Dakota, along the TR-STANDING CLOUD river.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at 16 feet high and spans a length of 400 feet, with a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet. Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Harold Meyer is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with environmental standards.

With a low hazard potential and a current condition of "Not Rated," Harold Meyer serves as a critical water resource infrastructure in the region. While its emergency action plan and risk assessment details are not provided, the dam's state-regulated status signifies a commitment to safeguarding the surrounding community and environment. Its location within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers adds another layer of oversight and potential support in case of emergencies or maintenance needs.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Harold Meyer presents a fascinating case study of a mid-century earth dam that continues to play a vital role in water management in South Dakota. Its history, design, and state-regulated status offer insight into the complexities of maintaining infrastructure in a changing climate and the importance of proactive monitoring and enforcement to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR-STANDING CLOUD

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

104

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.