G. French Homestead Reservoir Report
Nearby: Red Earth Grazing Assn. A. Lee
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
The G.
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Summary
French Homestead, located in Dewey County, South Dakota, is a privately-owned earth dam completed in 1948 to regulate the flow of the TR MOREAU River. Standing at 42 feet high and 350 feet long, this dam has a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 3,600 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
This historic dam, situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. While its condition is currently rated as "Not Rated" and lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), the G. French Homestead remains a vital infrastructure for flood control and water storage purposes. The dam's primary purpose, along with its associated structures, ensures the protection of downstream communities and ecosystems from potential flooding events.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like the G. French Homestead is essential in safeguarding our natural environment and water sources. By staying informed about the regulatory oversight, design specifications, and operational aspects of dams like this one, we can contribute to sustainable water management practices and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
42 |
Nid Storage |
144 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Cedar Creek Nr Raleigh
|
20cfs |
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.
G. French Homestead