Nielsen Reservoir Report
Nearby: Fleming #2 Morton #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Nielsen is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Rosebud, Montana, along Coal Creek.
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Summary
Constructed in 1973, this earth dam stands at 31 feet high and spans 666 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation, providing vital water resources for agricultural activities in the region. Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, Nielsen is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Situated in Congressional District 00, Montana, Nielsen plays a crucial role in water management and resource allocation in the area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 100 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for maintaining water supply and supporting local agriculture. While the dam's emergency preparedness and risk assessment measures are currently unspecified, its strategic location and operational efficiency contribute to the overall water security and climate resilience of the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of dams like Nielsen is essential for sustainable water management and environmental conservation efforts in Montana and beyond.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, Nielsen's role as a key irrigation dam in Rosebud, Montana, underscores the importance of effective water infrastructure in supporting agricultural activities and ensuring water security in the region. Managed by a private entity, Nielsen operates within the regulatory framework of the DNRC and undergoes state inspections and enforcement to uphold safety standards. With its low hazard potential and "Not Rated" condition assessment, Nielsen stands as a critical piece of water infrastructure that requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard its functionality and protect local communities from potential risks. In the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water scarcity, dams like Nielsen play a vital role in managing water resources and adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
666 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
COAL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
31 |
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.
Nielsen