Lee Crowser Dam No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: E.J. Mooney Dam No.1 Wilcox Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lee Crowser Dam No.1, located in Meade, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1954 on Lone Tree Creek.
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Summary
With a height of 19 feet and a length of 1100 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2000 cubic feet per second. Despite being rated as low hazard potential and not having a condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the state and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Owned and operated by a private entity, Lee Crowser Dam No.1 is designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and falls under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency. While the dam does not have an emergency action plan in place and lacks updated information on inundation maps and risk assessment, it serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area. The dam plays a crucial role in storing water for irrigation, recreational activities, and wildlife habitat, making it a significant structure for water resource management in the region.
With its strategic location on Lone Tree Creek and its importance in providing water storage, Lee Crowser Dam No.1 is a key component of the water infrastructure in Meade, South Dakota. While it may not have a designated primary purpose or a detailed risk management plan, the dam's role in water supply and management underscores the need for proper maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and sustainability of its operations for the benefit of the local community and environment.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
1100 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
LONE TREE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
500 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
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 |
Cheyenne River Near Wasta
|
190cfs |
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.
Lee Crowser Dam No.1