Fred Joens Reservoir Report
Nearby: Thorstensen 2 Thorstensen 1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Fred Joens is a private earth dam located in Dewey County, South Dakota, along the TR Moreau river.
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Summary
Built in 1941, this dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a length of 700 feet, providing a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Managed by a private owner, Fred Joens plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 3600 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for mitigating flood risks and regulating water flow along the TR Moreau river. Its presence highlights the importance of private ownership in maintaining and safeguarding critical water resources in South Dakota.
As a significant structure in the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Fred Joens represents a collaborative effort between private owners and state agencies to ensure effective water management and climate resilience. With a focus on safety and regulatory compliance, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource infrastructure in adapting to changing climate conditions and protecting communities from potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
Cedar Creek Nr Raleigh
|
20cfs |
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
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.
Fred Joens