Bruning No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ryno #1 Allen Tucker No.1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Bruning No.1, located in Mellette, South Dakota, is a state-regulated dam on the TR White Thunder Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1934, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans a length of 760 feet, providing a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge rate of 998 cubic feet per second, it serves a drainage area of 4 square miles. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently assessed as fair, with its last inspection conducted in September 2017.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), Bruning No.1 is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and regulatory compliance. As a critical infrastructure for water resource management, this dam plays a vital role in flood control, irrigation, and water supply in the region. With its emergency action plan and risk management measures in place, the dam is equipped to address potential hazards and protect surrounding communities in the event of an emergency.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Bruning No.1 for its historical significance, engineering design, and environmental impact. As part of the St. Paul District under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this dam serves as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and natural resource management. By understanding the role of dams like Bruning No.1 in water conservation and climate resilience, enthusiasts can explore the complexities of balancing infrastructure development with environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1934 |
Dam Length |
760 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TR WHITE THUNDER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
350 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
34 |
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.
Bruning No.1