Deadmans Basin Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Deadmans Basin Dike Stella #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Deadmans Basin Dam, located in Ryegate, Montana, was completed in 1941 and serves as a vital structure for irrigation purposes in the area.
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Summary
With a dam height of 60 feet and a storage capacity of 100,000 acre-feet, the reservoir created by the dam covers a surface area of 2120 acres and draws water from the TR-Musselshell River. The dam, primarily made of earth with a rock foundation, is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment and high hazard potential, Deadmans Basin Dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years. The dam is equipped to handle a maximum discharge of 1080 cubic feet per second and has a spillway width that is not specified in the data. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the state of Montana and is located in Congressional District 00, represented by Congressman Greg Gianforte. The surrounding county of Wheatland benefits from the irrigation water stored in the reservoir, supporting agricultural activities in the region.
With its strategic location along the TR-Musselshell River and its critical role in supplying water for irrigation, Deadmans Basin Dam stands as a key infrastructure project in Montana. The dam's ability to store and release water as needed ensures a reliable water supply for agricultural operations in the area. Regular inspections and maintenance efforts help to mitigate the potential risks associated with the dam's high hazard potential, safeguarding the surrounding communities and farmlands from the threat of flooding. As a state-managed structure, Deadmans Basin Dam exemplifies the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in sustaining agricultural livelihoods in the region.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
1490 |
Dam Height |
60 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MUSSELSHELL RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2120 |
Hydraulic Height |
60 |
Drainage Area |
7.3 |
Nid Storage |
100000 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
60 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Deadmans Basin Dam