H. Freeze Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
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Summary
Freeze is a privately owned dam located on East Elm Creek in Meade, South Dakota. Built in 1938, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge of 1600 cubic feet per second, H. Freeze is classified as having a significant hazard potential. Despite being regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, its condition assessment is currently labeled as "Not Rated".
This dam, under the jurisdiction of the state, undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement actions to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With no associated structures and a primary purpose that is not specified, H. Freeze serves as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the region. Although lacking detailed information on its design and operations, this dam plays a key role in flood control and water storage on East Elm Creek.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find H. Freeze to be a fascinating subject of study due to its historical significance, engineering features, and environmental impact. As one of the many structures managed by the South Dakota state agency, this dam highlights the interplay between human-made infrastructure and natural water systems, making it a valuable asset for understanding water management practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
1084 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
EAST ELM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
14 |
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 |
Horse Cr Above Vale Sd
|
13cfs |
Elk Cr Nr Rapid City Sd
|
3cfs |
Whitewood Cr Above Vale Sd
|
16cfs |
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.
H. Freeze