Russell Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Talley Dam Cecil Vig
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Russell Dam, located in Meade, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure that serves as an important water resource management system in the region.
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Summary
Completed in 1948, this Earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 112 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 36 acre-feet. Situated on the TR CHEYENNE river, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply management in the area.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Russell Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential and a "Not Rated" condition assessment, the dam continues to provide essential services to the community. While the dam does not have a designated primary purpose or specific spillway type, it is equipped to handle a maximum discharge of 1000 cubic feet per second, contributing to overall water resource management efforts in the region.
Despite limited information on emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or risk assessment, Russell Dam remains a vital infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and study. As a key component of the St. Paul District's water management system, this dam exemplifies the importance of maintaining and regulating such structures to safeguard communities and ecosystems in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
112 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
Horse Cr Above Vale Sd
|
13cfs |
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
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.
Russell Dam