Bucholz No.3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bucholz No.2 Petersen Kate Number 1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Bucholz No.3 is a privately owned earth dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along a tributary of the White River.
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Summary
Completed in 1973, this dam stands at a height of 25 feet and stretches 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 16 acre-feet. While the dam has not been rated for its condition, it is categorized as having a low hazard potential.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bucholz No.3 is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite being privately owned, the dam does not receive federal funding, construction, or oversight. The surrounding area is monitored for any potential risks, though no emergency action plan or inundation maps have been prepared as of yet.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bucholz No.3 presents an interesting case study in dam management and regulation. With its proximity to a vital waterway and its modest storage capacity, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring our water infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of our communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. WHITE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Bucholz No.3