Highway 44 #4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Krogman Lawrence #3 Highway Dept. #2
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Highway 44 #4 is a state-owned earth dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, that serves the vital purpose of regulating the flow of the TR Little White Offstream river.
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Summary
Completed in 1970, this dam stands at a height of 53 feet and has a storage capacity of 42 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 33 acre-feet. The dam's significant hazard potential and state-regulated status highlight its importance in managing water resources and protecting surrounding areas from potential flooding.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), Highway 44 #4 undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam's last inspection in September 2017 revealed its hazard potential and the need for continued monitoring and risk assessment. Although the condition of the dam is currently not rated, its critical role in water resource management underscores the importance of maintaining its safety and reliability for the community.
With a designated emergency action plan (EAP) and a notable spillway capacity of 40 cubic feet per second, Highway 44 #4 is well-equipped to handle potential flood events and protect downstream areas. The dam's location within the St. Paul District and its association with Dusty Johnson (R) as the congressional representative underscore its significance in the region's water resource and climate management efforts.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
390 |
Dam Height |
53 |
River Or Stream |
TR LITTLE WHITE OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
53 |
Nid Storage |
42 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
53 |
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.
Highway 44 #4