Jensen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bruch Bros. Bruch Bros. No.2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Jensen Dam, located in Meade, South Dakota, is a private-owned structure built in 1951 with a primary purpose that remains undisclosed.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 23 feet and stretching 830 feet in length, the dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 83 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 58 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Elm Creek, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, with a low hazard potential.
Despite being last inspected in 1985 and currently not rated for its condition, Jensen Dam remains under state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps are unknown, raising questions about its readiness in case of emergencies. With its proximity to the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Jensen Dam may benefit from additional oversight and maintenance to ensure its long-term functionality and safety in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
830 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Horse Cr Above Vale Sd
|
13cfs |
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.
Jensen Dam