Francis Veal Reservoir Report
Nearby: Arnt Jorgenson Lewellan Engelhardt
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Francis Veal is a privately owned dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, along a tributary of the Moreau River.
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Summary
Built in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a length of 350 feet, providing a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and integrity.
Situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Francis Veal plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1000 cubic feet per second, this dam serves to protect downstream areas from potential flooding events. Although the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," its emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain undisclosed, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard the surrounding community and environment.
As a key infrastructure for water resource management in South Dakota, Francis Veal underscores the interconnectedness of climate, water, and human activities. With its strategic location and regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a vital component in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security for local residents. Ongoing efforts to enhance its safety measures and emergency preparedness will be essential in adapting to the evolving challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events in the region.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. MOREAU RIVER |
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.
Francis Veal