Hight Number 4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hight Number 1 Iversen Number 1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Jones, South Dakota, Hight Number 4 is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1956 with a primary purpose that remains unspecified.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Standing at a height of 38 feet and a length of 480 feet, this dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam is situated on the TR-WHITERIVER, within the jurisdiction of St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
With a maximum storage capacity of 61 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 35 acre-feet, Hight Number 4 poses a low hazard potential and has not yet been rated for its condition. Although the dam has not been assessed for emergency preparedness or risk management measures, it remains under the oversight of the Natural Resources Conservation Service as the federal designer. The structure has a maximum discharge capacity of 750 cubic feet per second and has not been evaluated for its Emergency Action Plan (EAP) compliance or inundation mapping.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hight Number 4 serves as an intriguing case study on the management and regulation of private earth dams in South Dakota. The dam's historical significance, modest storage capacity, and lack of detailed risk assessment present opportunities for further research and potentially highlight the need for improved monitoring and emergency response planning. As the dam continues to stand as a key piece of infrastructure in the region, its condition and compliance with state regulations are essential considerations for ensuring the safety and integrity of water resources in the area.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
38 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WHITERIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Nid Storage |
61 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
38 |
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.
Hight Number 4