Sanders Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Freeman Floyd Strong
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sanders Dam, located in Meade, South Dakota, along the East Killdeer Creek, was completed in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
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Summary
This private Earth dam stands at 29 feet in height and spans 810 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. While the dam's spillway is uncontrolled, it boasts a moderate hazard potential rating of 3 out of 5.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), Sanders Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its safety and compliance with standards. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition has not been formally rated, and emergency action plans are not currently in place. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2400 cubic feet per second, Sanders Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Supported by federal funding and design by the WPA, Sanders Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water storage and flood control in the area. With its historical significance and continued functionality, Sanders Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
810 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
EAST KILLDEER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
58 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Sanders Dam