Ronald Philips Dam No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Phillips Dam Nelson Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ronald Philips Dam No.1, located in Meade, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1972 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Summary
This dam, with a height of 29 feet and a length of 450 feet, serves as a crucial structure on a tributary of Elm Creek, providing a maximum storage capacity of 35 acre-feet and a normal storage of 25 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," this dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the region.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Ronald Philips Dam No.1 is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Although the dam has not been rated for its condition, its low hazard potential indicates a relatively low risk of failure. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures remain unspecified, highlighting the need for further evaluation and preparedness in the face of potential climate challenges.
With a maximum discharge capacity of 840 cubic feet per second, Ronald Philips Dam No.1 plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply management in the area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is essential to monitor and maintain the structural integrity of dams like Ronald Philips Dam No.1 to ensure the safety and security of surrounding communities and ecosystems in the face of evolving environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY OF ELM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Nid Storage |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Ronald Philips Dam No.1