Needle Butte Reservoir Reservoir Report
Nearby: Round Butte Reservoir Schessler #10
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Needle Butte Reservoir, located in Rosebud, Montana, is a private-owned water resource managed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
Built in 1953, the reservoir serves multiple purposes including fire protection, livestock watering, and as a small fish pond. With a dam height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 290 acre-feet, the reservoir plays a crucial role in water management in the area.
Managed by DNRC and regulated by the state, Needle Butte Reservoir has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The spillway, with a width of 300 feet, helps manage the maximum discharge of 1800 cfs during peak flow events. The reservoir is situated on TR-Little Porcupine Creek and covers a drainage area of 2.34 square miles, providing essential water resources for the local community.
Despite not having a condition assessment rating, Needle Butte Reservoir continues to be a vital water storage facility in the region, ensuring water availability for various needs. With its strategic location and design, the reservoir serves as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Montana.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE PORCUPINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
2.34 |
Nid Storage |
290 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Needle Butte Reservoir