Paul Berry Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bronson #1 Corn Creek Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Paul Berry is a privately owned dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1956, this earth dam stands 29 feet tall with a length of 406 feet, providing a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Paul Berry serves as a vital structure in regulating the flow of the TR Black Pipe river.
Despite its age, Paul Berry remains regulated and inspected by state authorities, ensuring its safety and functionality for the surrounding community. With a maximum discharge capacity of 259 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water resource management in the St. Paul District. Its location in a rural area underscores the importance of maintaining this infrastructure to protect both property and natural habitats downstream.
While not rated for its condition, Paul Berry still serves as a reliable structure for water storage and management, contributing to the overall resilience of the region's water resources. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and extreme weather events, the proper maintenance and operation of dams like Paul Berry will be essential in adapting to the changing hydrological landscape.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
406 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR BLACK PIPE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Nid Storage |
95 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Paul Berry