Wilcox Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Wilcox Dam, located in Meade, South Dakota, on the TR East Elm Creek, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2009.
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Summary
With a height of 10 feet and a length of 435 feet, the dam provides a normal storage capacity of 95 acre-feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 442 acre-feet. It serves as a crucial water resource infrastructure in the region, with a drainage area of 6 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 2305 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Wilcox Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. The dam has a low hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3 out of 5. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and has not been modified since its completion. While the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, it is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet to manage excess water flow during periods of high precipitation.
Overall, Wilcox Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. As a key infrastructure asset, it ensures the efficient storage and controlled release of water, contributing to flood control, irrigation, and water supply needs in the area. With its state-regulated status and moderate risk assessment, Wilcox Dam stands as a reliable and essential component of the water resource system in Meade, South Dakota.
Year Completed |
2009 |
Dam Length |
435 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
TR EAST ELM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
442 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs
|
17900cfs |
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd
|
34cfs |
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd
|
0cfs |
Elk Cr Nr Rapid City Sd
|
3cfs |
Horse Cr Above Vale Sd
|
13cfs |
Whitewood Cr Above Vale Sd
|
16cfs |
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.
Wilcox Dam