Richards dam
Richards
Richards, a privately-owned dam located in Fort Lupton, Colorado, serves multiple purposes including irrigation, fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. Built in 1902, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and spans a length of 3501 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 126 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Richards dam is deemed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in 2013. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a potential for moderate consequences in the event of a failure. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it is important to note that the emergency action plan and risk management measures for Richards are not clearly outlined, which could pose challenges in responding to potential hazards. With its location on Big Dry Creek, it is crucial for stakeholders to stay vigilant and prioritize necessary improvements to mitigate risks associated with this crucial water resource.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams 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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Richards -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Platte River At Henderson | 167 cfs | → |
| Big Dry Creek At Westminster | 0 cfs | → |
| Big Dry Creek At Mouth Near Fort Lupton | 13 cfs | → |
| First Cr Ab 96th Ave | 1 cfs | → |
| Clear Creek At Mouth | 3 cfs | → |
| South Platte R At 64th Ave. Commerce City | 90 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Richards.
Boat launches
- Brighton
- Adams County
- West 69th Avenue 4700, Westminster
- Standley Lake Trail Westminster
- Lagerman Trail Boulder County
- Ralston Creek Trail Arvada
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
- Marshall Reservoir
- Talbott Irrigation Reservoir
- Hunters Glen Lake
- Adams County Fairground Lakes
- Ken Mitchell Park Pond
- Mckay Lake
Paddle runs
- Lower Boulder Canyon
- Golden Whitewater Park
- Tunnel 1 To Golden Whitewater Park
- October Hole
- Black Bear Hole & A-Hole
- Idledale To Morrison
More reservoirs
Track Richards in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Richards
Where does the data for Richards come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Richards.