Hight No. 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hutchinson No. 1 Hutchinson No. 2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Hight No.
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Summary
1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the tributary of Little White River. Built in 1962, this dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a storage capacity of 16 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge rate of 288 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, 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 dam serves various purposes within the local water resource management system, although specific details on its primary purpose and associated structures are not provided. While the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," its emergency action plan (EAP) status, risk assessment, and management measures remain unspecified. The presence of emergency contacts and inundation maps, as well as the fulfillment of EAP guidelines, are also pending updates. Overall, Hight No. 1 presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the regulatory oversight and operational aspects of dam infrastructure in South Dakota.
As part of the St. Paul District under the US Army Corps of Engineers, Hight No. 1 adds to the diverse landscape of dams within the region, contributing to water storage, flood control, and environmental management. With its location and design characteristics, this dam offers valuable insights into the interconnected relationship between water resources, climate resilience, and regulatory frameworks. As ongoing data updates and assessments shape the future of Hight No. 1, its significance in the broader context of water infrastructure management continues to evolve, making it a compelling subject for further exploration and analysis in the field of water resource engineering and climate adaptation.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. LITTLE WHITE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Nid Storage |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Hight No. 1