Freeman Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sanders Dam Floyd Strong
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Freeman is a privately-owned dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along the TR-BELLE FONot RatedCHE river.
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Summary
Constructed in 1938, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential, Freeman is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement actions to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Managed by the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Freeman serves multiple purposes including flood control and water supply. Despite its age, the dam's condition is currently rated as "Not Rated" with no recent inspection data available. While the dam has not experienced any major modifications or emergency action plans in place, its location and design make it a critical infrastructure in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor Freeman's condition and ensure proper risk management measures are in place to protect downstream communities and the surrounding environment.
As a key infrastructure in South Dakota, Freeman plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential hazards. With its historic significance and structural importance, it is imperative for stakeholders to stay informed about the dam's condition, potential risks, and emergency preparedness plans. By understanding Freeman's role in the region's water management system and advocating for its proper maintenance and regulation, water resource and climate enthusiasts can contribute to the resilience and sustainability of this vital infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
417 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BELLE FONot RatedCHE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Freeman