Strain Ranch No. 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Neilsen #1 Strain Ranch No. 2
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Located in Mellette, South Dakota, Strain Ranch No.
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Summary
1 is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1963 with a height of 25 feet and a length of 287 feet. This dam, situated on the TRIB-COTTONWOOD CREEK, serves multiple purposes including flood control and water storage with a capacity of 25 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is in good condition with a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition.
The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The surrounding area is represented by Dusty Johnson (R) in Congress, and the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers oversees the dam's operations, although no federal funding or agency ownership is associated with it. With a maximum discharge capacity of 326 cubic feet per second, Strain Ranch No. 1 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Strain Ranch No. 1 can appreciate its historical significance, engineering design, and impact on the local ecosystem. As part of a network of dams in the area, this structure contributes to water supply stability and flood protection for the community. While it may not be a high-risk dam, its presence highlights the importance of infrastructure maintenance and regulation in ensuring the sustainability of water resources amidst changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
287 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB-COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Strain Ranch No. 1