Ritschard
Key Takeaway
Ritschard is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1995 and is 31 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 122 ft (taller than 97.2% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,910 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 84.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 66.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,550 acres |
| Drainage Area | 269 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 44,432 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1995 (31 years old) |
| NID ID | CO02788 |
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
COLORADO RIVER WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (CAUSEY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ritschard?
Ritschard 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 Ritschard?
Ritschard is owned by COLORADO RIVER WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (CAUSEY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ritschard built?
Ritschard was completed in 1995, making it 31 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 Ritschard?
Ritschard serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Ritschard?
Ritschard has a dam height of 122 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 Ritschard last inspected?
Ritschard was last inspected on June 9, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.