Leo Ritter Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jacob Goetz W. Combellick
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Leo Ritter, a privately owned earth dam located in Walworth, South Dakota, was completed in 1958 and stands at a height of 20 feet with a length of 440 feet.
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Summary
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam has a normal storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 70 acre-feet, serving as a crucial water resource for the region. Situated on the TR MISSONot RatedI river or stream, Leo Ritter plays a vital role in regulating water flow and mitigating flood risks in the area.
Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and its condition not yet assessed, Leo Ritter is under state jurisdiction and regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with permitting, inspections, and enforcement in place. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1200 cubic feet per second, this dam ensures the safety and security of the surrounding community in the event of emergencies. While lacking updated emergency action plans and risk assessments, Leo Ritter remains a key infrastructure for water management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
As a significant piece of water infrastructure in South Dakota, Leo Ritter provides valuable resources for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and analyze. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1950s and its crucial role in water storage and flow regulation, this dam serves as a prime example of the intersection between water management, environmental conservation, and climate adaptation. As advancements in dam safety and risk management continue to evolve, Leo Ritter stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to safeguard our water resources and address the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
440 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
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.
Leo Ritter