Bucholz Number 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jensen Number 7 Jensen No. 6
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Bucholz Number 1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the TRIB-LITTLE WHITE river.
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Summary
Completed in 1966, this dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a length of 360 feet, providing a storage capacity of 16 acre-feet. Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bucholz Number 1 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with standards.
Despite its low hazard potential and "Not Rated" condition assessment, Bucholz Number 1 plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 825 cubic feet per second, this dam helps mitigate potential risks associated with flooding events and contributes to the overall water supply and ecosystem health in the area. While lacking detailed inspection and emergency preparedness information, the dam remains an essential infrastructure for water conservation and climate resilience efforts.
Situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Bucholz Number 1 exemplifies the collaboration between private ownership and state regulatory agencies to safeguard water resources and infrastructure in South Dakota. As climate change continues to impact water availability and weather patterns, the importance of maintaining and improving dams like Bucholz Number 1 becomes increasingly evident. By staying proactive in monitoring and managing these structures, stakeholders can ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of water systems in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB-LITTLE WHITE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
16 |
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.
Bucholz Number 1