Novey Joe Number 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Novey Joe Number 1 is a private dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the TR of Roundup Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1963, this earthen dam stands at 26 feet tall and spans 550 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 38 acre-feet. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring proper inspection, permitting, and enforcement measures are in place.

With a low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated," Novey Joe Number 1 serves as a vital water resource infrastructure in the region. Despite its age, this dam continues to provide essential water storage and flood control benefits, with a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not been assessed for its emergency action plan or risk management measures, its presence plays a critical role in protecting the surrounding area from potential water-related hazards.

As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, the upkeep and maintenance of dams like Novey Joe Number 1 become increasingly important. With the support of state and federal agencies, this dam serves as a testament to sustainable water management practices and the ongoing efforts to safeguard water resources in South Dakota.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR OF ROUNDUP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

38

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.