Olsen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Barry Bonita Springs Lake
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Olsen Dam, located in Meade, South Dakota, is a privately-owned earth dam completed in 1980 with a height of 33 feet and a length of 273 feet.
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Summary
Sitting on the tributary of the Belle Fourche River, it has a maximum storage capacity of 26 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 18 acre-feet. The dam, regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, has a low hazard potential and its condition is currently not rated.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Olsen Dam is crucial for water resource management in the region, providing essential water storage and flood control capabilities. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam plays a significant role in protecting nearby areas from potential flooding events and ensuring a stable water supply for the local community. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and regulatory efforts behind Olsen Dam, which serves as a key infrastructure for sustainable water management in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
273 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. BELLE FONot RatedCHE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Nid Storage |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Cheyenne River Near Wasta
|
190cfs |
Elk Cr Nr Rapid City Sd
|
3cfs |
Rapid Cr Near Farmingdale Sd
|
85cfs |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
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.
Olsen Dam