Petersen Hans No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Novey Joe Number 1 England #4
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Petersen Hans No.1 is a private-owned dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the tributary of White River.
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Summary
Built in 1972, this earth dam stands at 26 feet tall and stretches 335 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 16 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Operated by the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Petersen Hans No.1 is designed to provide flood control and water resource management in the region. Although details on its primary purpose and associated structures are not specified, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events and maintaining a stable water supply. With a maximum discharge capacity of 96 cfs, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events and climate variability in South Dakota.
While specific risk assessment and management measures are not detailed in the available data, Petersen Hans No.1's presence highlights the importance of sustainable water resource management and infrastructure resilience in the face of changing climate patterns. As climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals, understanding and monitoring the condition and performance of dams like Petersen Hans No.1 is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water resources in the long run.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
335 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. WHITE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
16 |
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.
Petersen Hans No.1