Richard Williamson Reservoir Report
Nearby: Francis Chaffee Dam No.1 H. Freeze
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Richard Williamson is a private dam located in Meade, South Dakota, with a low hazard potential and a height of 13 feet.
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Summary
Built in 1953, this earth dam has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and is situated on the TR-BELLE FOURCHE RIVER. Despite being not rated for condition assessment, it is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 936 cubic feet per second, serving as a vital water resource in the region.
Owned privately, Richard Williamson serves as a crucial infrastructure in managing water resources in South Dakota. Its primary purpose and associated structures are not specified, but its location on the TR-BELLE FOURCHE RIVER highlights its significance in the local watershed. The dam's condition assessment, emergency action plan, and risk management measures are not rated or specified, indicating a potential need for further evaluation and preparedness. With a length of 720 feet and a normal storage capacity of 54 acre-feet, Richard Williamson plays a key role in water storage and management in the area.
Despite its age and limited information on its infrastructure, Richard Williamson remains a fundamental element in the water resource management of Meade, South Dakota. The dam's presence on the TR-BELLE FOURCHE RIVER, coupled with its regulated status and low hazard potential, underscores its importance in flood control and water supply. With a maximum discharge capacity, state permitting, and inspection in place, Richard Williamson stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to safeguard water resources and mitigate risks in the region.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
720 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BELLE FONot RatedCHE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Horse Cr Above Vale Sd
|
13cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Elk Cr Nr Rapid City Sd
|
3cfs |
Whitewood Cr Above Vale Sd
|
16cfs |
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.
Richard Williamson