Dolezal No. 6 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Dolezal No.


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Summary

6 is a privately owned dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the tributary of Little White River. The dam, completed in 1968, stands at a height of 29 feet and has a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," this earth dam serves as a crucial water resource infrastructure in the area.

Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Dolezal No. 6 is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Although the dam has not been rated for its condition, its importance for water storage and flood control in the region cannot be understated. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1155 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a significant role in managing water flow in the area.

Despite its low hazard potential, Dolezal No. 6 remains a vital structure for water resource management in South Dakota. As climate change continues to impact water availability and distribution, dams like Dolezal No. 6 play a crucial role in ensuring water security for communities and ecosystems in the region. Collaborative efforts between private owners, state agencies, and stakeholders are essential to maintaining the integrity and functionality of this important infrastructure.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TRIB. LITTLE WHITE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

29

Nid Storage

40

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

29
       
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.