Richard Waddell Reservoir Report
Nearby: Nelder Ebert No.3 James Petik No.1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Richard Waddell is a privately owned earth dam located in Bullhead, South Dakota, regulated by the state agency DENR.
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Summary
Built in 1948, this dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 240 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Cottonwood Creek, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated.
Despite not being federally owned or funded, Richard Waddell serves as a vital infrastructure for water management in Corson County, South Dakota. With a maximum discharge capacity of 4,312 cubic feet per second, this dam contributes to flood control and water supply for the surrounding communities. While the dam's inspection frequency and emergency preparedness details are not provided, its presence highlights the importance of local water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Richard Waddell represents a significant piece of infrastructure in the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, this privately owned dam continues to play a crucial role in maintaining water levels and protecting the local environment. As climate change poses increasing challenges to water resources, structures like Richard Waddell will be essential in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of a changing climate on our water systems.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
494 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
240 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Richard Waddell