Lee Calhoon 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Lee Calhoon 1 is a privately owned dam located in Tripp, South Dakota, along the White River off stream.


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Summary

Constructed in 1965 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a length of 267 feet. With a storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 819 cubic feet per second, the dam serves a vital role in water resource management in the area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Lee Calhoon 1 is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. While the dam's current condition has not been rated, its emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are not documented, highlighting potential areas for improvement and further assessment to enhance its overall safety and resilience.

With its critical role in managing water resources in the region, Lee Calhoon 1 serves as a key infrastructure for flood control and water supply. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Lee Calhoon 1 are essential to ensure the sustainability and resilience of water resources in South Dakota.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

267

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

WHITE RIVER OFF STREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

22

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.