Roger Weiss Reservoir Report
Nearby: R. Hampton No.1 L. Ingalls No.2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Roger Weiss is a privately owned earth dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along the West Branch Pine Creek.
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Summary
Constructed in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 18 feet tall and spans 900 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 405 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, this dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Managed by a private owner, Roger Weiss serves as a crucial water resource infrastructure in the region, supporting a drainage area of 7 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 660 cubic feet per second. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 80 feet, designed to handle excess water flow during peak periods. While the condition assessment of Roger Weiss is currently rated as "Not Rated," its risk management measures and emergency action plan preparedness are areas that may require further attention and development to enhance overall safety and resilience in the face of potential climate impacts.
Overall, Roger Weiss plays a vital role in water resource management and flood control in Meade County, South Dakota. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, this dam continues to provide essential storage capacity for irrigation, water supply, and environmental conservation purposes. As climate change poses new challenges to water infrastructure resilience, ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and risk assessment efforts are essential to ensure the long-term safety and effectiveness of Roger Weiss in safeguarding the local community and ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
WEST BRANCH PINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
405 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Horse Cr Above Vale Sd
|
13cfs |
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Whitewood Cr Above Vale Sd
|
16cfs |
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.
Roger Weiss