Richardson Dam 433 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hitchcock Dam 3 Hitchcock Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Richardson Dam 433, located in Keya Paha, Nebraska, serves as a crucial irrigation structure along the BR Spotted Tail Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1955 by the USDA NRCS, this private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans a length of 320 feet, with a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet. Despite its significant role in supporting agricultural activities in the region, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 rated it as poor, with a low hazard potential.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Richardson Dam 433 is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement. It is situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers and falls under the jurisdiction of the NE DNR. While the dam's primary purpose is irrigation, its design includes stone core types and a soil foundation. With a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 371 cubic feet per second, the dam covers a surface area of 7 acres and plays a vital role in water resource management in the region.
In light of its poor condition assessment and potential risks associated with its operation, ongoing monitoring and maintenance of Richardson Dam 433 are essential to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the sustainability of water resources in the area. With the involvement of regulatory agencies, designers, and stakeholders, efforts to address the dam's structural deficiencies and mitigate potential hazards can contribute to the long-term resilience of this vital irrigation infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
BR SPOTTED TAIL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
105 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Niobrara River At Mariaville
|
1530cfs |
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
Long Pine Creek Near Riverview
|
188cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Niobrara River Near Sparks
|
934cfs |
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.
Richardson Dam 433