Highway 44 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Iwan No.1 Highway 44 #6
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Highway 44, located in Mellette, South Dakota, is a state-regulated dam on the TRIB LITTLE WHITE OFFSTREAM river.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1973, this earth dam stands at a height of 50 feet and has a storage capacity of 136 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge of 50 cubic feet per second, Highway 44 plays a significant role in water resource management in the region.
Despite its age, Highway 44 has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in September 2017. With a hazard potential classified as significant, there is a need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the dam's structural integrity. While the dam has not been assessed for risk management measures or emergency action plans, its state jurisdiction and regulatory oversight by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources indicate a commitment to safety and compliance.
The presence of Highway 44 serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management and flood control in the area. Given its importance, ongoing attention to inspection, maintenance, and risk assessment is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this state-regulated dam. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Highway 44 presents a valuable case study in the intersection of infrastructure management and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
390 |
Dam Height |
50 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB LITTLE WHITE OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
50 |
Nid Storage |
136 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
50 |
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