Highway 44 #6

TR LITTLE WHITE OFFSTREAM· Mellette, South Dakota· Built 1973· Earth· 102 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Water Supply State Government

Key Takeaway

Highway 44 #6 is classified as significant hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 102 ft (taller than 99.7% in SD)
Dam Length450 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage900 acre-ft
Normal Storage400 acre-ft
Max Discharge6,000 cfs
Year Completed1973 (53 years old)
NID IDSD01474

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 10, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DANR

Ownership

DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Highway 44 #6?

Highway 44 #6 is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Highway 44 #6?

Highway 44 #6 is owned by DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Highway 44 #6 built?

Highway 44 #6 was completed in 1973, making it 53 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Highway 44 #6?

Highway 44 #6 serves the following purposes: Other, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Highway 44 #6?

Highway 44 #6 has a dam height of 102 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Highway 44 #6 last inspected?

Highway 44 #6 was last inspected on November 10, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.