B. Helleckson Reservoir Report
Nearby: Howes Grazing Association Tribe No.6
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
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Summary
Helleckson, located in Meade, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam on the TR CHEYENNE river, with a height of 27 feet and a length of 460 feet. Completed in 1939, this dam has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1400 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, its condition is currently not rated.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, B. Helleckson is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place. The dam meets state jurisdiction requirements, with state and federal agencies working together to ensure its safe operation. The emergency action plan for the dam is currently not prepared or updated, indicating a potential area for improvement in risk management and response.
Overall, B. Helleckson serves as a vital structure for water resource management in South Dakota, contributing to flood control and water storage in the region. With proper maintenance and monitoring, this dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding community and environment from potential water-related risks and emergencies.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
460 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
B. Helleckson