Chmela Dam 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Krog Dam 1 Ahrenstorff Dam 3
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Chmela Dam 1, located in Buffalo, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1949 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 26 feet and with a length of 290 feet, this dam serves the primary purpose of water resource management. With a storage capacity of 26 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 17 acre-feet, Chmela Dam 1 plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and maximizing its potential for agricultural and environmental purposes.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Chmela Dam 1 is rated as having a low hazard potential and its condition is currently not rated. Despite its age, the dam continues to be inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a maximum discharge capacity of 4000 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped to handle significant water flow during periods of high precipitation or flooding. As climate change continues to impact water resources, Chmela Dam 1 remains a vital infrastructure for water conservation and management in the region.
Overall, Chmela Dam 1 stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns. With its strategic location on the TR-MISSO River and its vital role in regulating water flow, this dam serves as a key piece of infrastructure in South Dakota's efforts to adapt to a changing climate and ensure the long-term sustainability of its water resources. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and advocate for sustainable practices, Chmela Dam 1 exemplifies the crucial role that dams play in preserving and maximizing the potential of our water sources.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
290 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Firesteel Cr Near Mount Vernon Sd
|
0cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
James R At Huron Sd
|
548cfs |
James R Near Forestburg Sd
|
560cfs |
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.
Chmela Dam 1