White River Association #3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
White River Association #3 is a privately owned dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, along the TR Big White Offstream.
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Summary
Built in 1957, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a length of 639 feet, providing a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite its low hazard potential, White River Association #3 has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam does not have an emergency action plan in place, and there is limited information available on its risk assessment and management measures. Additionally, there are no associated structures with the dam, and it is not under the jurisdiction of any federal agency.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the White River Association #3 may find it intriguing as a privately owned dam in a rural area of South Dakota. The dam's historical significance, design characteristics, and operational features make it a unique and important part of the local water infrastructure. Further research and monitoring of this dam could provide valuable insights into its long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
639 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR BIG WHITE OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Nid Storage |
74 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
31 |
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 #3