R. Compton Reservoir Report
Nearby: Circle Eagle Samuelson Bros. No.4
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
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Summary
Compton is a privately-owned dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along the TR CHEYENNE river. Constructed in 1962 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at 22 feet tall and stretches 420 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet, it serves as a vital component in water resource management in the region.
Despite being labeled as having a low hazard potential, R. Compton is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 1500 cubic feet per second and is designed to withstand hydraulic pressures up to 22 feet. While its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam continues to play a crucial role in flood control and irrigation for the surrounding area.
Represented by Congressman Dusty Johnson, R. Compton is a key infrastructure in the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With a primary purpose that is not specified, the dam serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of water resource management in South Dakota. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the maintenance and monitoring of structures like R. Compton are essential for the sustainability of our water resources.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
57 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
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 |
Cheyenne River Near Wasta
|
190cfs |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
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.
R. Compton