Earl Witte No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: G. Flier M. Scism No.1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Earl Witte No.1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Custer, South Dakota, along the TR-CHEYENNE river.
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Summary
Built in 1960 with a dam height of 21 feet and a length of 780 feet, this structure serves as a key component in water resource management in the area. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam has a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet and plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage for the region.
Despite its low hazard potential, Earl Witte No.1 is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. The dam's condition remains unrated, with no recent inspection dates available. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1365 cubic feet per second, the dam stands as a vital infrastructure for managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events in the region.
As a significant structure in the area's water management system, Earl Witte No.1 exemplifies the importance of sustainable infrastructure for climate resilience. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, this earth dam continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding the community against flood risks and ensuring a reliable water supply for agricultural and municipal needs. Its presence highlights the ongoing efforts to balance water resource management with environmental conservation in South Dakota's diverse landscape.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
780 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
90 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Earl Witte No.1