Petersen Kate Number 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bucholz No.3 Piggs No.1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Petersen Kate Number 1 is a privately owned dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the TR White River Offstream.
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Summary
Built in 1962, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 190 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of water resource management, with a normal storage capacity of 64 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1470 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Petersen Kate Number 1 is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Despite being labeled as low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently rated as "Not Rated", with no recent inspection data available. While the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place or updated inundation maps, it is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Petersen Kate Number 1 presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems. With its location in a critical watershed area and potential impact on downstream communities, this dam serves as a focal point for studying the challenges and opportunities associated with managing water resources in a changing climate. As efforts continue to assess and improve the safety and functionality of dams like Petersen Kate Number 1, there is a growing need for collaboration and innovation to ensure the sustainability of water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR WHITE RIVER OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
190 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Petersen Kate Number 1