Francis Chaffee Dam No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Richard Williamson H. Freeze
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Francis Chaffee Dam No.1, located in Meade, South Dakota, is a private-owned earth dam completed in 1957 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Summary
It stands at a height of 23 feet and spans 650 feet across a tributary of East Elm Creek. With a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, the dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes and has a low hazard potential.
Despite being privately owned, Francis Chaffee Dam No.1 is regulated and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. It has a normal storage of 43 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 3400 cubic feet per second. The dam's condition is currently not rated, but its hazard potential is considered low, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area in the event of a breach.
Overall, Francis Chaffee Dam No.1 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, providing irrigation water for agricultural activities while also contributing to flood control measures. Its construction and maintenance demonstrate a commitment to responsible stewardship of water resources in South Dakota, making it a key structure for water and climate enthusiasts to monitor and study.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY OF EAST ELM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
75 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Horse Cr Above Vale Sd
|
13cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Elk Cr Nr Rapid City Sd
|
3cfs |
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.
Francis Chaffee Dam No.1