Richards Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Richards Pond, located in Kanabec County, Minnesota, is a privately owned dam that serves multiple purposes including flood control and water storage.


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Summary

The earth dam, with a height of 12 feet and a length of 691 feet, was completed in 1967 and has a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2016 rated as poor, raising concerns about its structural integrity and the need for maintenance.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Richards Pond is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its compliance with safety and environmental standards. The dam's location on the Knife River-TR stream contributes to its drainage area of 8.5 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 485 cubic feet per second. While the pond covers a surface area of 33 acres, its primary source agency is the state of Minnesota, indicating local oversight and responsibility.

Although Richards Pond may be classified as having a low hazard potential, its poor condition assessment underscores the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the conservation of water resources. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, it is crucial for stakeholders to prioritize the upkeep of dams like Richards Pond to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the environment for future generations.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

691

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

KNIFE RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33

Drainage Area

8.5

Nid Storage

100

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.