Earl Mcpherson Dam No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cnot Ratedlew Phillips Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Earl Mcpherson Dam No.1, located in Meade, South Dakota, is a privately-owned earth dam completed in 1958.
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Summary
This dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a length of 266 feet, providing a storage capacity of 45 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary of Alkali Creek, this dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and integrity.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Earl Mcpherson Dam No.1 has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status, including preparedness and guideline adherence, remains unclear. With a maximum discharge capacity of 600 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The Natural Resources Conservation Service was responsible for its design, highlighting the collaboration between private ownership and federal agencies in water resource management.
Although specific details on the dam's risk assessment and management measures are not available, its presence serves as a vital component of the local water infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Earl Mcpherson Dam No.1 play a critical role in ensuring water security and mitigating potential risks. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam represents an important piece of the puzzle in understanding the intersection between infrastructure, regulation, and environmental stewardship in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
266 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY OF ALKALI CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
45 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Earl Mcpherson Dam No.1