Mike Welder Reservoir Report
Nearby: Merkel F. Macijewske
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mike Welder is a privately owned dam located in Dewey, South Dakota, along the TR-MOREAU river.
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Summary
Built in 1973 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at 25 feet tall and spans a length of 300 feet, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. Although it has a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated", indicating a need for further evaluation.
Despite being state-regulated and permitted, Mike Welder has not undergone recent inspections or assessments, leaving its emergency action plan and risk management measures unclear. With its proximity to the St. Paul District and under the jurisdiction of DENR, the dam presents an opportunity for stakeholders to prioritize safety and maintenance, ensuring its resilience in the face of changing climate conditions. As a key structure in the region, stakeholders like water resource and climate enthusiasts can advocate for proper monitoring and management to safeguard against potential risks in the future.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Cedar Creek Nr Raleigh
|
20cfs |
Cannonball River Nr Raleigh
|
40cfs |
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.
Mike Welder