State Land Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

State Land is a privately owned dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along the TR-ELM CREEK river.


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Summary

Built in 1953, this Earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and stretches 535 feet in length, providing a maximum storage capacity of 73 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment and has not been inspected since May 1994.

Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), State Land is regulated by the state and subject to permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures. The dam is designed for flood control purposes and serves as an essential water resource infrastructure in the region. With Dusty Johnson (R) as the representative for the area, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and climate resilience efforts in South Dakota.

As a vital component of the state's water infrastructure, State Land contributes to the overall water management strategy in South Dakota. With its low hazard potential and state-regulated status, the dam underscores the importance of proactive maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and effectiveness of water resource infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the status and condition of dams like State Land is essential for promoting sustainable water management practices and resilience in the face of climate variability.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

535

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-ELM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

73

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.