Orl Walcott #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Orl Walcott #1 is a significant earth dam located in Lyman, South Dakota, with a height of 53 feet and a length of 800 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this dam has a storage capacity of 482 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 350 cubic feet per second. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with inspection, permitting, and enforcement processes in place to ensure its safety and functionality.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Orl Walcott #1 plays a crucial role in water resource management, particularly for the Whiteriver Offstream in South Dakota. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance. With its location in a state-regulated jurisdiction, this dam serves as a key infrastructure for flood control and water supply in the region.

Although specific details such as spillway type and outlet gates are not provided, Orl Walcott #1 remains a vital structure for the St. Paul District in South Dakota. As a focal point for climate and water resource enthusiasts, this dam offers a glimpse into the intersection of infrastructure, regulation, and environmental stewardship in managing water resources effectively in the region.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

53

River Or Stream

WHITERIVER OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

53

Nid Storage

482

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

53
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.