William Olson Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ollie Stomprud Shirley Miller
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
William Olson is a private earth dam located in Meade, South Dakota, with a height of 23 feet and a length of 690 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1953, this dam has a storage capacity of 208 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2080 cubic feet per second. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies.
Owned and operated by a private entity, William Olson serves as a vital water resource in the region, providing irrigation and water supply benefits to the local community. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently rated as "Not Rated," with no recent inspection data available. The dam is not under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and does not have an emergency action plan in place.
With its strategic location along the TR-SULPHNot Rated CREEK, William Olson plays a significant role in water management and flood control efforts in the area. Although lacking in detailed risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures, this dam remains a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in South Dakota, contributing to the overall resilience of the region's hydrological systems.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
690 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SULPHNot Rated CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
208 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
Horse Cr Above Vale Sd
|
13cfs |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
Whitewood Cr Above Vale Sd
|
16cfs |
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
South Fork Grand R Near Cash Sd
|
17cfs |
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.
William Olson