Ralph Ritter No.1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Ralph Ritter No.1, located in Campbell County, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1958.
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Summary
With a height of 26 feet and a length of 320 feet, this dam serves the primary purpose of water resource management. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam has a storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 720 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the condition assessment of Ralph Ritter No.1 is currently marked as "Not Rated." The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. As a crucial piece of infrastructure in the region, the dam plays a vital role in flood control and water supply management for the local community.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Ralph Ritter No.1 a fascinating subject of study, as it represents the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship. With its strategic location in the St. Paul District and under the jurisdiction of South Dakota state agencies, this dam serves as a tangible example of how infrastructure can be designed and managed to adapt to the challenges posed by changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Beaver Creek Bl Linton
|
39cfs |
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Cannonball River At Breien
|
96cfs |
Cedar Creek Nr Raleigh
|
20cfs |
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.
Ralph Ritter No.1