Richmond Hill Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Richmond Hill is a private earth dam located in Lawrence, South Dakota, along Spearfish Creek-TR.


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Summary

Built in 1988, this structure stands at 79 feet high and spans 400 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 241 acre-feet. While the dam is categorized as having a low hazard potential, it is deemed to have a high risk level (2) due to unspecified factors. Despite being in a regulatory environment with state oversight from DENR, the dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated," highlighting a potential area of concern for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Although Richmond Hill is not associated with any federal agencies or funding, it falls under the jurisdiction of South Dakota and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The structure lacks spillways and outlet gates, and its emergency action plan (EAP) readiness and risk management measures are not specified. With no identified emergency contacts, inundation maps, or condition assessment dates, the dam's overall risk level remains ambiguous, raising questions about its resilience and preparedness in the face of potential hazards.

As a vital component of the local water infrastructure, Richmond Hill presents an intriguing case study for those interested in water resource management and climate resilience. Its location, design, and regulatory status offer valuable insights into the complexities of maintaining and assessing dam safety in a changing environmental landscape. The lack of detailed information on the dam's condition, emergency protocols, and risk management strategies underscores the importance of continued monitoring and evaluation to ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

79

River Or Stream

Spearfish Creek-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

79

Nid Storage

241

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

79
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.