Carl Gunner No.1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Carl Gunner No.1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Mellette, South Dakota.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this structure serves the primary purpose of water resource management, specifically for the TR Dry Creek offstream. With a dam height of 29 feet and a length of 555 feet, it has a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet, providing essential water storage for the surrounding area.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Carl Gunner No.1 is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated. With the ability to discharge a maximum of 819 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water resources in the region while adhering to state regulatory guidelines for inspection, permitting, and enforcement.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Carl Gunner No.1 an intriguing structure in its contribution to water management in South Dakota. As a privately owned earth dam with significant storage capacity and regulatory oversight, it stands as a vital component in the region's water infrastructure, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

555

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR DRY CREEK OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

29

Nid Storage

91

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.