Howie Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hale 1 W. Mann No.1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Howie Dam, also known as White Owl Lake, is a private dam located in Meade, South Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 1949 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a length of 520 feet, providing storage for up to 306 acre-feet of water. The dam regulates the flow of White Owl Creek and has a spillway width of 45 feet to handle a maximum discharge of 1220 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Howie Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being rated as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2018. With a moderate risk level of 3, the dam is equipped with emergency preparedness measures to mitigate any potential risks to surrounding areas in the event of a breach or overflow.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Howie Dam serves as a prime example of the vital role dams play in regulating water flow, providing storage, and managing potential hazards in the face of changing climate conditions. Its history, design, and regulatory oversight make it a fascinating case study in the intersection of human infrastructure and natural resource management.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
520 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WHITE OWL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
306 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd
|
0cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
Cheyenne River Near Wasta
|
190cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
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.
Howie Dam