Heintz Number 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Woodruff Mercer Number 1
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Heintz Number 1, located in Hughes County, South Dakota, is a private earth dam constructed in 1953 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Summary
The dam stands at 16 feet high with a hydraulic height of 14 feet and a length of 500 feet. Its primary purpose is to regulate the flow of TR-Medicine Knoll Creek, providing a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 800 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, Heintz Number 1 has a low hazard potential and is currently considered to be in a not rated condition.
This dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, particularly in regulating water flow and providing storage for agricultural purposes. It is under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which oversees its regulation, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's strategic location and design make it a key structure for mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability for irrigation and other uses in the region.
With its historical significance and continued functionality, Heintz Number 1 serves as a testament to the importance of proper dam infrastructure in managing water resources and adapting to climate fluctuations. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor and support the maintenance and modernization of such critical structures to enhance resilience and sustainability in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MEDICINE KNOLL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
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.
Heintz Number 1