Richmond
Key Takeaway
Richmond is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 52 ft (taller than 98.6% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 1,550 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 19.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 824 acres |
| Drainage Area | 159 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,620 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1935 (91 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1999 |
| NID ID | SD00006 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
S&PL
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Richmond?
Richmond is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Richmond?
Richmond is owned by S&PL (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Richmond built?
Richmond was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Richmond?
Richmond serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Richmond?
Richmond has a dam height of 52 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 Richmond last inspected?
Richmond was last inspected on November 22, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.