E.J. Mooney Dam No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mooney 1 Wilcox Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
E.J.
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Summary
Mooney Dam No.1, located in Meade, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1959 with a height of 32 feet and a length of 450 feet. This dam plays a crucial role in water resource management as it impounds a tributary of Elm Creek, providing a maximum storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential, this dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, E.J. Mooney Dam No.1 serves multiple purposes including flood control, water supply, and irrigation for the surrounding area. It has a normal storage capacity of 46 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 650 cubic feet per second. Despite being in operation for over six decades, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," indicating a need for further evaluation to determine its long-term viability in the face of changing climate conditions.
As a vital piece of infrastructure in the region, E.J. Mooney Dam No.1 is a critical component of the water resource management system in South Dakota. With its low hazard potential and key role in regulating water flow, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate. Continued monitoring and maintenance of this dam will be essential to ensure its continued effectiveness in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential water-related hazards.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY OF ELM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Elk Cr Nr Rapid City Sd
|
3cfs |
Horse Cr Above Vale Sd
|
13cfs |
Whitewood Cr Above Vale Sd
|
16cfs |
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.
E.J. Mooney Dam No.1