Phillips Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ronald Philips Dam No.1 Nelson Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Phillips Dam, located in Meade, South Dakota, is a privately owned Earth dam constructed in 2000 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans a length of 200 feet, providing a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-BELLE FOURCHE RIVER, the dam serves a critical role in regulating water flow and mitigating flood risks in the area.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Phillips Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1350 cubic feet per second. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and continued functionality.
As a key component of water resource management in the region, Phillips Dam plays a vital role in water storage and flood control efforts. With its strategic location and design, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure asset for the community, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the dam's long-term effectiveness in safeguarding the local environment and residents.
Year Completed |
2000 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BELLE FONot RatedCHE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Phillips Dam