G. Welter Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

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Summary

Welter is a privately owned earth dam located in Meade, South Dakota, along the TR CHEYENNE river. Completed in 1945, this dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a storage capacity of 136 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a "Not Rated" condition assessment, G. Welter is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

Managed by the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, G. Welter has not undergone any modifications since its completion. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 4000 cubic feet per second and a normal storage capacity of 47 acre-feet. Despite not having an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place or being assessed for risk management measures, G. Welter remains a key structure for water resource management in the region.

With its strategic location and vital role in the water infrastructure of Meade, South Dakota, G. Welter serves as a crucial asset for flood control and water supply management. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design, construction, and regulatory aspects of dams like G. Welter is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water systems in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

980

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR CHEYENNE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

136

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.