W. Jordan Reservoir Report
Nearby: T. Mahaffey C. Jordan
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
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Summary
Jordan is a privately owned dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along the TR Cheyenne River. Constructed in 1949 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 435 feet. With a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet, W. Jordan serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area, providing a maximum discharge of 900 cubic feet per second.
Despite its age, W. Jordan has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. While the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, the risk assessment and management measures for W. Jordan are currently unspecified.
Overall, W. Jordan plays a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in South Dakota, providing essential storage capacity and flood protection along the TR Cheyenne River. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like W. Jordan are crucial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water supplies for the surrounding communities.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
435 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
91 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Cheyenne River Near Wasta
|
190cfs |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
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.
W. Jordan