Richards Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Berryhill Lake Dam Sagehorn Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Richards Lake Dam, located in Barton County, Missouri, serves as a vital resource for fish and wildlife conservation as well as irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1976, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and spans a length of 1820 feet, with a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-North Fork Spring River and is owned privately, with no state jurisdiction or regulation. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam is not currently rated for its condition.
The dam's spillway, an uncontrolled type with a width of 10 feet, allows for a maximum discharge of 6 cubic feet per second. With a surface area of 2 acres and a drainage area of 25.6 square miles, Richards Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), it continues to operate effectively for the benefit of the local ecosystem and agricultural activities.
In the absence of state oversight, Richards Lake Dam stands as a testament to private stewardship in water resource management. With its focus on enhancing fish and wildlife habitats and supporting irrigation needs, the dam serves as a valuable asset in maintaining ecological balance and sustaining local agriculture. Despite its age, the dam continues to fulfill its intended purposes, highlighting the importance of private initiatives in safeguarding water resources and adapting to changing climate conditions in the region.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
1820 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NORTH FORK SPRING RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
25.6 |
Nid Storage |
68 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spring River At Carthage
|
58cfs |
East Drywood Creek At Prairie State Park
|
0cfs |
Spring River Near Waco
|
121cfs |
Spring River At Larussell
|
58cfs |
Turnback Creek Above Greenfield
|
27cfs |
Shoal Creek Above Joplin
|
151cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Richards Lake Dam