D. Gifford No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: J. Huston Miller Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
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Summary
Gifford No.1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along the TR CHEYENNE river. Built in 1964, this dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a length of 310 feet, with a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. While it has not been rated for its condition, it is categorized as having a low hazard potential.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), D. Gifford No.1 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. The dam is not under the jurisdiction of any federal agency and does not receive federal funding or support. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone any significant modifications or updates in recent years.
Despite lacking detailed information on its emergency action plan, inundation maps, and risk assessment, D. Gifford No.1 serves as a vital structure for water resource management in the area. With its moderate storage capacity and low hazard potential, this dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and protecting the surrounding communities from potential flooding events related to climate change and extreme weather conditions.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
310 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
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.1