Keefe Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Beaulieu Mclaughlin Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Keefe Dam, located in Tripp, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 2003 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The dam stands at 20 feet in height and stretches over 774 feet, serving the primary purpose of water resource management on TR Thunder Creek. With a storage capacity of 310 acre-feet, the dam has a low hazard potential and is classified as having a moderate risk level.
Despite being non-federally owned, Keefe Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The dam's spillway, with a width of 125 feet, is uncontrolled, and it has no outlet gates. The dam's risk assessment rates it at a moderate level with a DSAC assigned date of none, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and management measures to ensure its structural integrity and public safety.
While Keefe Dam is not owned or funded by federal agencies, it plays a crucial role in water resource management within the region. With its construction by the USDA NRCS and its state-regulated status, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control, irrigation, and conservation efforts in Tripp County, South Dakota. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of Keefe Dam in maintaining the balance of water resources and environmental sustainability in the area.
Year Completed |
2003 |
Dam Length |
774 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR THUNDER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
310 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
Niobrara River Near Sparks
|
934cfs |
Niobrara River At Mariaville
|
1530cfs |
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.
Keefe Dam