Gifford No. 2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gifford No.1 Volberg #2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Gifford No.
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Summary
2 is a privately owned dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the tributary of White Timber Creek. Built in 1940, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 27 feet and stretches for 480 feet, providing a storage capacity of 38 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.
With the dam being under state jurisdiction and regulation by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), it undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state standards. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks a comprehensive emergency action plan (EAP), it serves a crucial role in managing water resources in the area and contributes to flood control and water supply for the region. As a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gifford No. 2 offers a glimpse into the historical development of water infrastructure in South Dakota and the ongoing efforts to maintain and monitor these important structures.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. WHITE TIMBER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
38 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Gifford No. 2