William Freise Reservoir Report
Nearby: Eldrod Kolb Besler Dam #2
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
William Freise is a privately owned dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, along the TR MOREAU RIVER.
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Summary
Built in 1951, this earth dam stands at 16 feet tall and stretches 680 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, William Freise has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are also unreported. However, the dam is equipped with a spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 180 cubic feet per second, providing some level of safety in the event of excess water flow. With its strategic location and historical significance, William Freise serves as a valuable water resource infrastructure in the region.
As a water resource and climate enthusiast, the William Freise dam offers a fascinating case study in dam management and regulation. From its construction in the early 1950s to its current status as a state-regulated structure, this earth dam plays a crucial role in water storage and management along the TR MOREAU RIVER. While its condition assessment and emergency preparedness may be lacking, the dam's low hazard potential and strategic design highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness in water resource management.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
680 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
78 |
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.
William Freise