Wolken 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wolken 2 Silbernagel Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Wolken 1, located in Meade, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1950 with a height of 16 feet and a length of 510 feet.
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Summary
This dam, regulating a tributary of Elk Creek, has a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 2800 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated," suggesting a need for further evaluation and maintenance.
While the dam is state regulated and inspected, it lacks detailed information on emergency action plans, risk assessments, and other important safety measures. Additionally, the dam's associated structures, if any, are not specified. With its ownership falling under private entities, it is crucial for stakeholders and water resource enthusiasts to advocate for updated safety protocols, regular inspections, and risk management measures to ensure the structural integrity and safety of Wolken 1 and its surrounding areas.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Wolken 1 becomes ever more critical. With its location in a state prone to severe weather events, such as flooding, proper risk assessment and emergency preparedness are essential to mitigate potential hazards. By promoting transparency, collaboration, and adherence to safety guidelines, the community can work towards safeguarding Wolken 1 and preserving its role in water resource management for future generations.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
510 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Wolken 1