J. Huston Reservoir Report
Nearby: D. Gifford No.1 Miller Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
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Summary
Huston is a private earth dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along the Cheyenne River. Constructed in 1972 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 360 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 74 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 32 acre-feet, J. Huston serves as a vital resource for water management in the region.
Maintained by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, J. Huston is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not rated for its condition assessment, this dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply for the surrounding area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1200 cubic feet per second, J. Huston's importance in managing water resources cannot be overstated.
Owned privately and situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, J. Huston stands as a testament to the collaboration between private entities and governmental agencies in ensuring the sustainability of water resources. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the role of dams like J. Huston in mitigating these effects becomes increasingly significant, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and regulation to safeguard our water supply for future generations.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TRCHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
74 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
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.
J. Huston