Kary #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wm Kary #2 Schmidt #2
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Kary #1 is a privately owned dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the TR Cut Meat Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at 13 feet tall and stretches 433 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 150 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, permitting, and enforcement procedures to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam's primary purpose and specific design details are not specified in the data, but its location in a region prone to climate variability underscores the importance of maintaining and assessing the infrastructure's resilience to changing environmental conditions. With a maximum discharge capacity of 250 cubic feet per second, Kary #1 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area and mitigating potential flood risks. Although the dam's condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated," ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts are likely in place to uphold its functionality and safety.
While Kary #1 may not be a high-risk structure, its significance in water resource management and climate adaptation efforts cannot be understated. As climate change continues to impact hydrological patterns and extreme weather events become more prevalent, the importance of resilient and well-maintained infrastructure like Kary #1 will only grow. Continued collaboration between private owners, regulatory agencies, and local communities will be essential in ensuring the long-term sustainability and safety of dams like Kary #1 in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
433 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
TR CUT MEAT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
13 |
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.
Kary #1