Novey No.4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Larson No. 1 Novey Joe Number 1
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Novey No.4 is a privately owned earth dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, designed to regulate the flow of the tributary Roundup Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1966, this dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 16 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, Novey No.4 is subject to state regulation and inspection by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Managed by a private entity, Novey No.4 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water resource sustainability in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 182 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for the local community while maintaining its structural integrity and operational efficiency. While it has not been formally rated for its condition, Novey No.4 continues to fulfill its purpose effectively.
Situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Novey No.4 serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners and state regulatory agencies in managing water resources and maintaining dam safety standards. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water management, structures like Novey No.4 are essential for ensuring the resilience of communities and ecosystems in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
160 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. ROUNDUP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Novey No.4