H. Lesmeister Reservoir Report
Nearby: C. Peterson No.4 C.J. Larson No.1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
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Summary
Lesmeister, located in South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1937 with a height of 22 feet and a length of 510 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 123 acre-feet and a low hazard potential. Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Situated on the TR-MOREAU river, H. Lesmeister plays a crucial role in water resource management in Dewey County, South Dakota. With a normal storage capacity of 88 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2100 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control and water supply in the region. Although the dam's condition is currently not rated, regular inspections and enforcement by state agencies help mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
Managed by a private owner, H. Lesmeister is a key component of the water infrastructure in the St. Paul District. With its low hazard potential and state-regulated status, the dam reflects the collaborative efforts between private stakeholders and regulatory agencies to safeguard water resources and mitigate potential risks associated with dam operations. The dam's historical significance and functional importance make it a significant asset in the region's water resource and climate management efforts.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
510 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
123 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
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.
H. Lesmeister