Doran Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pfaff Irrigation Pfaft #1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Doran is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Custer, Montana, along the TR-CROW ROCK CREEK.
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Summary
Built in 1936, this Earth dam stands at 25 feet high and 840 feet long, with a storage capacity of 175 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for irrigation, serving the agricultural needs of the region. Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), the dam is state regulated and inspected, ensuring its safe operation and compliance with state guidelines.
Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, Doran plays a crucial role in the water resource management of the area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 6900 cubic feet per second, it helps control the flow of water for irrigation purposes and flood mitigation. The dam has not undergone any recent modifications and lacks a formal Emergency Action Plan (EAP), highlighting a potential area for improvement in its risk management strategy. However, the dam's location and design contribute to its overall effectiveness in serving the needs of the local community.
In the vast landscape of Montana, Doran stands as a testament to the importance of water infrastructure in sustaining agricultural activities and managing water resources. As climate change poses new challenges to water availability and quality, dams like Doran play a critical role in ensuring a reliable water supply for irrigation and other purposes. With proper maintenance and adherence to state regulations, Doran will continue to support the agricultural economy of Custer County and contribute to the overall resilience of the region in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
840 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CROW ROCK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
175 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Doran