Fred Richards Dam, located in Cherokee, South Carolina, serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction along the TR-Cherokee Creek. Completed in 1996, this private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and spans 250 feet in length. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam also caters to recreational activities, offering a surface area of 2 acres for visitors to enjoy.

Despite its low hazard potential, Fred Richards Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition as of August 2017. The dam has a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 18.6 acre-feet. While the dam is state-regulated and subject to inspection, its condition highlights the need for maintenance and potential improvement measures to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction.

With its strategic location and importance in mitigating flood risks in the region, Fred Richards Dam stands as a key asset in water resource management. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of this dam in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events underscores the critical role infrastructure plays in safeguarding communities and the environment against natural hazards.