Mcgowan Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dwyer Mcqueen Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mcgowan Dam, located in Jerauld, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam with a height of 17 feet and a length of 447 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 2006, this structure primarily serves the purpose of regulating TR Smith Creek's flow and provides a maximum storage capacity of 69 acre-feet. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated in terms of condition assessment.
Managed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mcgowan Dam undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 80 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1080 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 2 square miles, making this dam a crucial component of water resource management in the region. Though not rated for condition assessment, Mcgowan Dam still plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability for local communities.
Year Completed |
2006 |
Dam Length |
447 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR SMITH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
69 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Firesteel Cr Near Mount Vernon Sd
|
0cfs |
James R At Huron Sd
|
548cfs |
James R Near Forestburg Sd
|
560cfs |
James R Near Mitchell Sd
|
659cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
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.
Mcgowan Dam