Richtor Reservoir Report
Nearby: Richtor Howard No.1 Horstman #1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Richtor, a privately owned dam located in Mellette, South Dakota, was completed in 1938 on the TR OAK CREEK river or stream.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 40 feet with a length of 475 feet, Richtor serves as an earth dam with a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite its age, Richtor is considered to have a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam has not undergone any recent modifications or inspections, and information on emergency action plans and risk management measures is not readily available. While Richtor does not fall under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, it remains an important structure in the region for water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate change in South Dakota may find Richtor to be a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure and regulatory oversight. As efforts to address the impacts of climate change on water resources intensify, understanding the condition and management of dams like Richtor becomes crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of these critical structures in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
475 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
TR OAK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Nid Storage |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Little White R Near Rosebud Sd
|
96cfs |
Niobrara River Near Sparks
|
969cfs |
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
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.
Richtor