Cnot Ratedlew Reservoir Report
Nearby: D & D Farms Carl Humphrey Dam No.1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cnot Ratedlew is a state-regulated dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along TR-ELK CREEK.
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Summary
Constructed in 1956 by GF&P, this Earth-type dam stands at 43 feet high and spans 850 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1800 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently listed as "Not Rated," suggesting a need for further assessment and monitoring.
Owned by the state of South Dakota, Cnot Ratedlew falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 140 feet and a maximum discharge of 4100 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment categorizes the dam as having moderate risk, specific risk management measures and a detailed risk characterization summary are currently unavailable, highlighting potential areas for improvement in emergency preparedness and response.
With a history of periodic inspections and a designated inspection frequency of 3 years, Cnot Ratedlew serves as a critical infrastructure element in the region, providing flood control and water resource management along TR-ELK CREEK. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the condition and safety of dams like Cnot Ratedlew is essential for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions and increasing risks associated with climate change.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
850 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
43 |
Nid Storage |
1800 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Cnot Ratedlew