Br-57 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Br-57 is a private water supply dam located in Harlem, Montana, along the TR-Woody Island Coulee.


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Summary

Built in 1942 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth type dam stands at 18 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of supplying water, with a maximum discharge capacity of 100 cubic feet per second.

Although last inspected in 1962, Br-57 is classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 20 feet. Despite being state regulated and inspected, the condition assessment of Br-57 is currently listed as "Not Rated". With a drainage area of 8.89 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Located in Blaine County, Montana, Br-57 is situated in Congressional District 00 and falls under the jurisdiction of the DNRC. With its historical significance dating back to the early 1940s, this water supply dam continues to be a key infrastructure for the local community. Climate and water resource enthusiasts would find Br-57 an intriguing case study in the management and maintenance of essential water supply infrastructure in rural Montana.

Year Completed

1942

Dam Length

50

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-WOODY ISLAND COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

8.89

Nid Storage

60

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.