Hight Number 5 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Hight Number 5 is a privately owned dam located in Jones, South Dakota, with a low hazard potential and a height of 29 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1948, this earth dam spans 540 feet and has a storage capacity of 24 acre-feet. The dam regulates the flow of the TR-WHITERIVER and is under state jurisdiction, with regulatory oversight from the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Despite its age, Hight Number 5 has not been rated for its current condition and there is no information available on its last inspection date or maintenance history. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status is also unknown, raising concerns about its readiness in case of a flood or other emergency event. With a maximum discharge capacity of 750 cubic feet per second, it is crucial that proper risk assessment and management measures are put in place to ensure the safety and integrity of this structure.
Given its critical role in water regulation and potential risks associated with its condition and lack of information, stakeholders and water resource enthusiasts should advocate for thorough inspections, maintenance, and the development of an updated emergency action plan for Hight Number 5. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, proactive measures are essential to safeguarding the surrounding community and environment from potential dam failures or emergencies.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WHITERIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Nid Storage |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
James C Harris Dam