Bucholz No.2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bucholz No.3 Petersen Kate Number 1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Bucholz No.2 is a private-owned earth dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the tributary of the White River.
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Summary
This dam, completed in 1973, stands at a height of 26 feet and has a storage capacity of 17 acre-feet. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement.
The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified in the data, but its low hazard potential suggests that it serves mainly for irrigation or water management in the area. The dam's condition is currently rated as 'Not Rated', with no recent assessment date provided. It is interesting to note that the dam is not under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), indicating that it may have been constructed and maintained solely by private entities.
While more detailed information on Bucholz No.2's operations, emergency preparedness, and risk management measures is not available, its presence as a water resource in South Dakota highlights the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance of dams for climate resilience and water security in the region. The dam's location along a tributary of the White River underscores its role in local water management and underscores the need for continued oversight to ensure its safety and functionality for the community.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. WHITE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.2