W. Holmes No.3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Collins Dam E. Hunt
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
W.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Holmes No.3 is a privately owned earthen dam located in Ziebach, South Dakota, along the TR CHEYENNE river. Constructed in 1960 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a storage capacity of 189 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated", this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.
The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified, but it is regulated and permitted by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Despite lacking recent inspection and assessment data, the dam is equipped with outlet gates and has a maximum discharge capacity of 6300 cubic feet per second. With a history of federal agency involvement and a state jurisdiction, W. Holmes No.3 serves as a key infrastructure for flood control and water supply in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, W. Holmes No.3 represents a significant piece of infrastructure in South Dakota's water management system. With its location along the TR CHEYENNE river and its low hazard potential, this earthen dam provides essential storage capacity and flood protection for the surrounding area. Although its condition assessment is not currently rated, the dam's history of state regulation and federal agency involvement underscores its importance in ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
720 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
189 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.3