C. Vansickel Reservoir Report
Nearby: Opal Dam R. Talley No.2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
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Summary
Vansickel, a privately owned earth dam located in Meade, South Dakota, was completed in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This dam, situated on the TR CHEYENNE river, stands at 17 feet high and stretches 580 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 161 acre-feet, it plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and controlling floods in the area.
Despite its essential function, C. Vansickel has been flagged with a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, as of the latest inspection in November 2018. This raises concerns for its structural integrity and the safety of surrounding communities. With a maximum discharge rate of 1075 cubic feet per second, the spillway of this uncontrolled dam is 60 feet wide, indicating the potential for significant water release in emergency situations.
Given its critical role in water resource management, the current risk level of C. Vansickel is rated as moderate. With state-regulated inspection, permitting, and enforcement in place, efforts are being made to ensure the dam's safety and functionality. However, the poor condition assessment highlights the need for immediate attention to mitigate potential risks and maintain the integrity of this important infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
161 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
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 |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Horse Cr Above Vale Sd
|
13cfs |
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.
C. Vansickel