Robert Schuelke Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Robert Schuelke is a privately owned earth dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along the TR-MOREAU river.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet. Despite being a low hazard potential structure, it is regulated and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Managed by private owners, Robert Schuelke plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, with a normal storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1680 cubic feet per second. While the dam's condition assessment is currently rated as "Not Rated," regular inspections and enforcement measures are in place to monitor its structural integrity and address any potential risks or issues that may arise. Additionally, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, indicating a need for further emergency preparedness measures.

Located within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Robert Schuelke serves as a key infrastructure for water resource management in the region. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, this earth dam continues to play a vital role in flood control and water storage along the TR-MOREAU river. As climate and water resource enthusiasts, monitoring and ensuring the safety and maintenance of structures like Robert Schuelke are essential for sustainable water management practices in South Dakota.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

410

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-MOREAU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

73

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.