A. Samuelson No.1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

A.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Samuelson No.1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Meade, South Dakota, on the TR Cheyenne River. Completed in 1942, this dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," this structure plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), A. Samuelson No.1 is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam is not classified as a US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project, it serves as a vital component in flood control and water storage for the local area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 4000 cfs, this dam provides essential protection against potential flooding events.

Although the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment information are not currently available, A. Samuelson No.1 continues to be a key infrastructure asset for water management in South Dakota. With its strategic location on the TR Cheyenne River and its critical role in regulating water flow and storage, this dam remains a significant resource for climate and water resource enthusiasts in the region.

Year Completed

1942

Dam Length

725

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

TR CHEYENNE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

65

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.