Fischbach Reservoir Report
Nearby: A. Fischbach Dam Dnot Ratedkee
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Fischbach is a privately owned dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along Beaver Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1973 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at 24 feet high and stretches 1090 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 650 acre-feet and a drainage area of 19 square miles, Fischbach plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, Fischbach is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets state inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and there is no Emergency Action Plan in place as of the latest data update in May 2021.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fischbach offers a fascinating case study in the intersection of private ownership, state regulation, and environmental management. Its role in flood control, water storage, and ecosystem maintenance along Beaver Creek highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring such critical infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water demands.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
1090 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
BEAVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
19 |
Nid Storage |
650 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Fischbach