Richardson Number 1 dam
Richardson Number 1
Richardson Number 1 is a privately owned dam located in Jones, South Dakota, on the TR-White River. Constructed in 1953 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans a length of 432 feet, with a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for its condition, Richardson Number 1 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.
While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures like an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), it is notable for its low risk profile and steady operation. With a maximum discharge capacity of 562 cubic feet per second and a normal storage capacity of 23 acre-feet, Richardson Number 1 contributes to flood control and water supply management in the region. The dam's location in a relatively remote area adds to its importance in regulating water flow and ensuring downstream communities are protected from potential flooding events.
As an essential part of the water infrastructure in South Dakota, Richardson Number 1 stands as a testament to the collaboration between private owners and state regulatory agencies in safeguarding water resources and mitigating risks associated with dam operations. While further assessments and emergency preparedness measures may be needed to enhance its safety and resilience, the dam's role in maintaining water quality, regulating flow, and supporting agricultural activities underscores its significance in the local ecosystem. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Richardson Number 1 offers a glimpse into the intricate balance between human development and environmental conservation in managing our precious water resources.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Richardson Number 1 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| White River Near White River | 47 cfs | → |
| Little White R Below White River Sd | 117 cfs | → |
| Black Pipe Creek Nr Belvidere | 8 cfs | → |
| Little White R Near Rosebud Sd | 135 cfs | → |
| White R Near Kadoka Sd | 62 cfs | → |
| Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd | 4 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Richardson Number 1.
Track Richardson Number 1 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Richardson Number 1
Where does the data for Richardson Number 1 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Richardson Number 1.