R. Keckley No.2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

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Summary

Keckley No.2 is a privately owned earth dam located in Ziebach, South Dakota, along the TR CHEYENNE river. Constructed in 1962 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 25 feet and spans a length of 565 feet, providing a storage capacity of 173 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not currently rated for condition assessment, R. Keckley No.2 is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement functions in place.

Situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 3050 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks specific hazard response plans such as an Emergency Action Plan, it remains an essential structure for flood control and water storage purposes. The surrounding area, although not densely populated, benefits from the water management capabilities provided by R. Keckley No.2.

In light of the increasing challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like R. Keckley No.2 become vital for ensuring the resilience of water infrastructure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of such structures can help in advocating for sustainable water management practices and the development of comprehensive risk management strategies to safeguard against potential hazards and emergencies in the future.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

565

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR CHEYENNE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

173

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.