Howard Schmele Dam No.1
Howard Schmele Dam No.1 is an earth dam located in Butte County, South Dakota, built in 1950. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Howard Schmele Dam No.1
The primary purpose of Howard Schmele Dam No.1 is fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. The dam maintains a small impoundment used for fire suppression, livestock watering, or as a fish pond. The dam is owned by Daniel Long (private). It impounds the Bitty Creek.
The dam stands 13 feet tall and stretches 800 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 369 acre-feet. Completed in 1950, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life.
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Location
| State | South Dakota |
| County | Butte |
| Nearest City | None |
| River/Stream | Bitty Creek |
| Coordinates | 44.76132, -103.56823 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 13 ft |
| Dam Height | 13 ft |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Year Completed | 1950 (76 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 369 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 369 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 169 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 100 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond |
| Owner | Daniel Long |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | SD00679 |
| Federal ID | SD00679 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |