Richland Co Wrd Dry Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Richland CO Wrd Dry Dam 1 is a crucial piece of infrastructure in Richland, North Dakota, designed by Houston Engineering to mitigate flood risks along the Wild Rice River.


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Summary

Completed in 1984, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 347 acre-feet. While it primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction, its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment make it a key asset in the area's water resource management.

Owned by the local government and regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Richland CO Wrd Dry Dam 1 is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a spillway width of 12 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam is well-equipped to handle potential flood events. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in safeguarding the surrounding communities from flood hazards.

Situated within the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Richland CO Wrd Dry Dam 1 plays a vital role in the region's water resource management. With its strategic location along the Wild Rice River and its capacity to store significant volumes of water, this dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local and state agencies in addressing climate-related challenges. As climate change continues to pose threats to water resources, the importance of structures like Richland CO Wrd Dry Dam 1 in protecting communities from flooding cannot be overstated.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

WILD RICE RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

7.9

Nid Storage

347

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.