Richards Group Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Richards Group Pond, located in Houston County, Minnesota, is a private earth dam structure designed by the USDA NRCS to primarily reduce flood risk in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1959, this dam stands at a height of 26 feet and a length of 375 feet, with a storage capacity of 35 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and efficacy in flood risk reduction.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Richards Group Pond is still considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 300 cubic feet per second. The last inspection was conducted in April 2013, with an inspection frequency of every 8 years. Overall, Richards Group Pond serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the area and plays a key role in reducing the risk of flooding in the Crooked Creek-OS watershed.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

375

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

CROOKED CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

35

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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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.