M. Scism No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: G. Flier Earl Witte No.1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
M.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Scism No.1, located in Custer, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1973 with a height of 28 feet and a length of 314 feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of water resource management on the TR-CHEYENNE river, providing a maximum storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 88 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, M. Scism No.1 has not been rated for its condition assessment but is reported to be in good standing. Although there are no associated structures and the dam has not been modified over the years, it remains a crucial component of water resource infrastructure in the area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1225 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a critical role in flood control and water supply management for the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find M. Scism No.1 an intriguing example of sustainable water management practices in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
314 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
M. Scism No.1