Richardson Dam, located in Shawnee, Kansas, was completed in 1951 by designers McCracken and Pratt with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Little Soldier Creek. This buttress-type dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a hydraulic height of 23 feet, providing a storage capacity of 330 acre-feet. The dam is owned and regulated by the local government, with oversight from the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Despite its age, Richardson Dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," with an undetermined hazard potential. The dam has not been inspected recently, and its emergency action plan status is unknown. The spillway width is 150 feet, and there are no outlet gates associated with the structure. The dam's risk assessment, management measures, and inundation maps are also not available, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and effectiveness in flood control.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Richardson Dam can appreciate its historical significance in flood risk reduction efforts in the region. With its key location in Topeka and its impact on the surrounding area's water resources, understanding the dam's maintenance needs and operational status is crucial for long-term water management strategies. As the dam's condition and hazard potential remain uncertain, ongoing inspections and updates to emergency preparedness plans will be essential to safeguard the community and environment from potential risks associated with dam failure.