Gifford No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gifford No. 2 Volberg #2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Gifford No.1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the TR White Thunder Offstream.
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Summary
Built in 1940, this dam stands at 26 feet high and has a length of 367 feet, providing a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with inspection, permitting, and enforcement all carried out by the state agency.
Despite its age, Gifford No.1 is rated as having a low hazard potential and has not been condition assessed. Emergency action plans and risk assessments are currently not available for this dam. The dam is not associated with the US Army Corps of Engineers and has not been modified in recent years. With a maximum discharge capacity of 274 cubic feet per second, Gifford No.1 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and remains an important infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
367 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR WHITE THUNDER OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
78 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
Little White R Near Rosebud Sd
|
96cfs |
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Niobrara River Near Sparks
|
969cfs |
Little White R Near Vetal Sd
|
145cfs |
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.
Gifford No.1