Poss Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Carl Lungren Dam No.1 Sd Komes 1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Poss Dam is a private dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along the TRIB.
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Summary
BELLE FOURCHE RIVER. Built in 1978, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 45 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in a "Not Rated" condition assessment status.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Poss Dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. It is used for water resource management and flood control purposes, with a maximum discharge capacity of 888 cubic feet per second. Despite being ungraded for emergency action plans and risk assessments, the dam continues to serve its primary function efficiently as a vital infrastructure in the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and environmental impact of Poss Dam as a key component in water management in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
193 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. BELLE FONot RatedCHE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
61 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Poss Dam