D. Gifford No.2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: J. Huston Miller Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
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Summary
Gifford No.2 is a private dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along the TR CHEYENNE river. This earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet, with a length of 485 feet, and was completed in 1959. The dam has a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 46 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1240 cubic feet per second. Despite being categorized as low hazard potential, the condition assessment for D. Gifford No.2 is currently marked as "Not Rated".
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, D. Gifford No.2 is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam has not been rated for its condition, it is still considered to meet safety standards. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, and there is limited information available about its risk assessment and management measures. However, with its relatively low hazard potential, D. Gifford No.2 remains a crucial structure for water resource management in the area.
In terms of oversight and funding, D. Gifford No.2 does not fall under the jurisdiction of any federal agencies, such as the US Army Corps of Engineers. The dam is solely owned and operated by a private entity. With its location in a rural area and its importance for water storage along the TR CHEYENNE river, D. Gifford No.2 serves as a vital piece of infrastructure for the local community, contributing to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
485 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
86 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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 |
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.
D. Gifford No.2