Walter Ingals Reservoir Report
Nearby: Haines Dam No. 1 Haines Dam No. 2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Walter Ingals is a privately owned earth dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along the tributary of Beaver Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1951, the dam stands at 15 feet in height and spans 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite being classified as low hazard potential and currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, Walter Ingals serves an important role in water resource management in the area. The dam provides crucial flood control measures and water storage, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1768 cubic feet per second. It is under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers and falls under the supervision of the local representative Dusty Johnson (R).
While the dam has not been assessed for emergency action preparedness or risk management measures, it remains a notable structure in the region for its contribution to water resource regulation and environmental protection. With its strategic location and operational capacity, Walter Ingals continues to play a key role in safeguarding the surrounding community against potential flooding events and ensuring sustainable water management practices in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. BEAVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
South Fork Grand R Near Cash Sd
|
17cfs |
Horse Cr Above Vale Sd
|
13cfs |
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.
Walter Ingals