Vesely No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Vesely No.2 Anderson No.1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Vesely No.1 is a private earth dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the TR White River Offstream.
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Summary
Built in 1966, this dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Vesely No.1 serves as a crucial water resource for the region, providing irrigation water and flood control along the White River. With a maximum discharge capacity of 381 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a significant role in managing water flow and preserving the surrounding ecosystem. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, its low hazard potential and state enforcement measures contribute to its overall reliability and functionality.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the infrastructure and management of dams like Vesely No.1 is essential for ensuring the sustainable use of water resources in the face of changing climatic conditions. By recognizing the importance of proper regulation, inspection, and maintenance of dams, we can mitigate risks, protect communities, and safeguard the environment for future generations. Vesely No.1 stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance water resource management and climate resilience in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR WHITE RIVER OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
63 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
Little White R Near Rosebud Sd
|
96cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
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.
Vesely No.1