White River Association Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The White River Association in South Dakota is a privately owned organization that plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
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Summary
This association is regulated by the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ensuring that its operations meet all necessary permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. The White River Association's primary dam, constructed in 1956, is an earth dam with a height of 27 feet and a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet, serving the Oak Creek offstream.
Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for its condition, the White River Association remains an important entity for water conservation efforts in Mellette County, South Dakota. With a maximum discharge capacity of 216 cubic feet per second, the association's dam provides essential water storage and management capabilities for the surrounding area. While the exact purposes and primary objectives of the association are not explicitly stated in the available data, its presence and activities contribute to the overall water resource sustainability and climate resilience in the region, under the oversight of state regulatory agencies.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
311 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR OAK CREEK OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Little White R Near Rosebud Sd
|
96cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
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.
White River Association