Mcqueen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wilmarth Fuegan Bros.
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mcqueen Dam, located in Aurora, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2007 on the TR Smith Creek.
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Summary
With a modest height of 12 feet and a length of 435 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet. Despite its small size, Mcqueen Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a maximum discharge capacity of 360 cubic feet per second.
The dam's spillway is of the uncontrolled type, with a width of 25 feet, and its hazard potential is rated as low. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the risk assessment is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Despite being under private ownership, Mcqueen Dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mcqueen Dam presents an interesting case study in the management of small-scale earth dams in rural areas. Its location on the TR Smith Creek and the involvement of state regulators highlight the importance of proper infrastructure for water storage and flood control, even in relatively low-hazard situations. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the role of dams like Mcqueen Dam in ensuring the resilience of local communities becomes increasingly significant, making it a valuable asset in the broader context of water resource management in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
2007 |
Dam Length |
435 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR SMITH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
63 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Firesteel Cr Near Mount Vernon Sd
|
0cfs |
James R Near Forestburg Sd
|
560cfs |
James R At Huron Sd
|
548cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
James R Near Mitchell Sd
|
659cfs |
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.
Mcqueen Dam