Richard Walth Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lindia Sattler George Tnot Ratedner
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Richard Walth is a privately owned earth dam located in Walworth, South Dakota, completed in 1952 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Summary
Standing at 24 feet in height and stretching 350 feet in length, this dam has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 600 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with inspections, permitting, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Situated in the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Richard Walth serves a primary purpose that is not specified in the data. The dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," with no information provided on its last inspection date or frequency. Emergency action plans, risk assessments, and inundation maps appear to be lacking for this structure, raising questions about its preparedness for potential hazards. While the dam's risk management measures and guidelines compliance status are unknown, its association with federal agencies and funding sources is minimal, indicating a primarily local oversight and responsibility for its maintenance and operation.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Richard Walth presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam in South Dakota with limited federal involvement and oversight. The dam's historical significance, modest size, and low hazard potential make it a unique subject for further research and analysis in the realm of water infrastructure resilience and management. As the dam continues to age and face potential environmental challenges, a closer examination of its condition, emergency preparedness, and risk mitigation strategies could provide valuable insights for similar structures in the region and beyond.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Beaver Creek Bl Linton
|
39cfs |
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 Walth