Dolezal John Number 7 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Dolezal John Number 7 is a privately-owned dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the TR Little White Offstream river.


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Summary

Constructed in 1960, this earthen dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a storage capacity of 41 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Dolezal John Number 7 serves primarily for water resource management purposes, with a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet. The dam has a maximum discharge rate of 850 cubic feet per second and a length of 500 feet, providing flood control and irrigation benefits to the surrounding area. While the dam's condition is currently rated as "Not Rated," it is important to continue monitoring and maintaining this critical infrastructure to prevent any potential risks or hazards in the future.

With its close proximity to St. Paul District and oversight from federal agencies, Dolezal John Number 7 plays a crucial role in water management and climate resilience efforts in the region. By adhering to state regulations, conducting regular inspections, and implementing necessary risk management measures, this dam serves as a vital resource for both agricultural and environmental sustainability in the area.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR LITTLE WHITE OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

41

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.