Richey Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Woolhizer Dam Rahn Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Richey Dam, located in Tripp, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1977 with a height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet.
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Summary
The dam regulates the flow of a tributary of the Keyapaha River and is under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not currently assessed for condition, the dam is subject to regular state inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
While the dam does not have a designated primary purpose or associated structures, it serves as a crucial water resource management infrastructure in the region. With a normal storage capacity of 72 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 880 cubic feet per second, Richey Dam plays a key role in controlling water flow, mitigating flood risks, and providing water for various uses. Being situated in an area with a low hazard potential, the dam contributes to the overall water management efforts in South Dakota and supports the environmental sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem.
Managed by a private entity and falling under state jurisdiction, Richey Dam represents a vital component of the water infrastructure in Tripp County. While currently not rated for condition assessment, the dam's operational and regulatory aspects are closely monitored by the DENR to ensure safety and compliance with state regulations. As a key piece of infrastructure regulating water flow in the region, Richey Dam continues to play a significant role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. KEYAPAHA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
130 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Long Pine Creek Near Riverview
|
188cfs |
Niobrara River At Mariaville
|
1530cfs |
Niobrara River Near Sparks
|
934cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
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.
Richey Dam