Richards Dam 4031, located in Hayes, Nebraska, along TR-Little Blackwood Creek, was completed in 1960 and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure in the area. This private earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 125 feet, providing storage of 68.4 acre-feet with a normal storage capacity of 38.2 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is state-regulated and maintained by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with regular inspections conducted to ensure its structural integrity.

With its stone core and soil foundation, Richards Dam 4031 plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks in the region, covering a drainage area of 2.63 square miles. Although the dam's condition has not been officially rated, its last inspection in July 2018 indicated no immediate concerns. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently unspecified, highlighting areas that may require further attention and development to enhance its overall resilience in the face of changing climate patterns. As a key component of flood risk reduction infrastructure, ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts are essential to ensure the continued effectiveness of Richards Dam 4031 in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential water-related hazards.