Howard Schmele Dam No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Belle Fourche Royal Mcknight Dam No.2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Howard Schmele Dam No.1, located in Butte, South Dakota, is a privately-owned dam constructed in 1950 for water resource management on Biddy Creek.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a storage capacity of 369 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge of 100 cubic feet per second. Although its primary purpose is not specified, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and is designated as a significant hazard potential structure.
Despite being not rated in terms of condition assessment, Howard Schmele Dam No.1 remains an essential infrastructure for the local community, ensuring water supply and flood control in the area. The dam's location at 44.761667 latitude and -103.568333 longitude, along with its inspection, permitting, and enforcement by the state regulatory agency, reflects a commitment to maintaining safety and effectiveness. With Dusty Johnson (R) as the Congressional representative for the district, continued monitoring and management of the dam contribute to climate resilience and sustainable water resource practices in the region.
As an earth dam with a length of 800 feet and a normal storage capacity of 169 acre-feet, Howard Schmele Dam No.1 plays a crucial role in water storage and management on Biddy Creek. While its exact purposes and associated structures are not specified, the dam's presence and operation under state jurisdiction underscore the importance of maintaining and safeguarding water resources in South Dakota. As climate change impacts water availability and quality, the ongoing regulation and oversight of dams like Howard Schmele Dam No.1 are vital for ensuring the resilience of water systems in the face of environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
BIDDY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
369 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
13 |
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.
Howard Schmele Dam No.1
Belle Fourche Reservoir Near Belle Fourche Sd