Jensen Dam

TR-ELM CREEK· Meade, South Dakota· Built 1951· Earth· 23 ft tall
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Jensen Dam is classified as low hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1951 and is 75 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 49.8% in SD)
Dam Length830 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage83 acre-ft
Normal Storage58 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge6,025 cfs
Year Completed1951 (75 years old)
NID IDSD02095

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 7, 1985
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

FRANK JENSEN

Private

Nearby Dams

Bruch Bros.

Meade, SD

Low Hazard 28 ft

Bruch Bros. No.2

Meade, SD

Low Hazard 19 ft

Harold Mikudik

Meade, SD

Low Hazard 20 ft

H. Freeze

Meade, SD

Significant Hazard 14 ft

Samuelson Bros. No.1

Meade, SD

Low Hazard 20 ft

Francis Chaffee Dam No.1

Meade, SD

Low Hazard 23 ft

Samuelson Bros. No.2

Meade, SD

Low Hazard 21 ft

Martha Munroe

Meade, SD

Low Hazard 15 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Jensen Dam?

Jensen Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Jensen Dam?

Jensen Dam is owned by FRANK JENSEN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Jensen Dam built?

Jensen Dam was completed in 1951, making it 75 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Jensen Dam?

Jensen Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Jensen Dam?

Jensen Dam has a dam height of 23 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Jensen Dam last inspected?

Jensen Dam was last inspected on November 7, 1985. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.