Bedingfield Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bedingfield Dam, located in Meade, South Dakota, is a private Earth dam completed in 2006 with a height of 28 feet and a length of 600 feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, designed by BEARLODGE LTD, serves the primary purpose of controlling the flow of TR. ELK CREEK and has a maximum storage capacity of 278 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet and has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is deemed to meet safety guidelines and has not experienced any major modifications since its completion. With Dusty Johnson serving as the Congressional representative for the district, Bedingfield Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, showcasing the importance of private ownership in maintaining and regulating essential infrastructure for climate resilience and water conservation efforts.

Overall, Bedingfield Dam represents a vital piece of water infrastructure in South Dakota, contributing to flood control, water storage, and environmental protection along TR. ELK CREEK. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners, regulatory agencies, and designers in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

2006

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR.ELK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

278

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.