W. Holmes No.2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: W. Holmes No.1 W. Holmes No.3
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
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Summary
Holmes No.2, located in Ziebach, South Dakota, is a privately owned Earth dam completed in 1960 with a height of 22 feet and a length of 560 feet. This dam, situated on the TR CHEYENNE river, has a storage capacity of 156 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 7200 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated."
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, W. Holmes No.2 is state-regulated with permitting, inspection, and enforcement conducted by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The dam is also under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. While no associated structures are reported, the dam's Emergency Action Plan status, hazard potential, and risk management measures are not fully documented or assessed.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, W. Holmes No.2 provides a fascinating case study of a privately owned dam in South Dakota with a historical significance dating back to the 1960s. Its location on the TR CHEYENNE river and low hazard potential offer opportunities for further exploration into the dam's operational and safety measures. The involvement of state and federal agencies in the regulation and oversight of the dam adds layers of complexity to its management and maintenance, making it an intriguing subject for those interested in water resource infrastructure and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
560 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
156 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
W. Holmes No.2