T. Sternard Reservoir Report
Nearby: P. Lorang Grazing Assn J. Reed
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
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Summary
Sternard, located in Meade, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1938 across the TR Cheyenne river. With a height of 21 feet and a length of 620 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 6000 cubic feet per second. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, T. Sternard is classified as a low hazard potential structure with a condition assessment that is currently not rated. Although no emergency action plan is in place, the dam meets state permitting requirements and has been inspected for safety. With its primary purpose not specified, T. Sternard serves as a vital component in managing water resources in the area, offering flood control and water storage benefits to the local community.
Despite its age, T. Sternard continues to play a crucial role in water resource management in South Dakota. With its historical significance and functional design, this earth dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and regulating critical infrastructure to ensure the sustainability and resilience of water systems in the face of climate variability and change.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
620 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
126 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
Cheyenne River Near Wasta
|
190cfs |
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.
T. Sternard