C. Nuzum No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: C. Nuzum No.2 S. Simon Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
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Summary
Nuzum No.1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Meade, South Dakota along the TR CHEYENNE river. Built in 1946, this dam stands at 16 feet in height and spans 580 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 64 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 29 acre-feet. Although its hazard potential is classified as low, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), C. Nuzum No.1 is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam has not undergone recent inspections or been assessed for its emergency action plan, it is situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite lacking certain risk management measures and updated emergency contacts, C. Nuzum No.1 remains a crucial component of water resource infrastructure in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, C. Nuzum No.1 presents an intriguing case study of a historic dam with moderate storage capacity and low hazard potential. As discussions around dam safety and resilience continue to gain importance, understanding the regulatory framework and condition assessment of structures like C. Nuzum No.1 is essential. With its location in South Dakota's Meade County and under the purview of state and federal agencies, this dam serves as a touchpoint for broader conversations on sustainable water management practices and the intersection of infrastructure and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1946 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Cheyenne River Near Wasta
|
190cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
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.
C. Nuzum No.1