Bettcher Number 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Halligan #1 Pitan Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Bettcher Number 1 is a private-owned earth dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the White River offstream.
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Summary
Built in 1965 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 485 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 26 acre-feet, it serves to regulate water flow and provide irrigation benefits to the surrounding area. Despite being rated as low potential hazard, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated", signaling a need for inspection and maintenance.
Situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Bettcher Number 1 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Its primary purpose and associated structures remain unspecified, but it is known to have state regulatory oversight from the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. With a maximum discharge capacity of 812 cubic feet per second, the dam contributes to flood control efforts and supports agricultural activities in the area.
Although details such as inspection frequency, emergency action plans, and risk assessment measures are currently unavailable, Bettcher Number 1 remains a significant infrastructure for water resource management in South Dakota. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and water availability, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Bettcher Number 1 becomes increasingly critical in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
485 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
WHITE RIVER OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Nid Storage |
26 |
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.
Bettcher Number 1