Nickwall Reservoir Report
Nearby: W Miller W Miller #1
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Nickwall is a privately-owned earth dam located in Poplar, Montana, along Nickwall Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1953 by USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock water supply, and small fish pond management. With a height of 12 feet and a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet, Nickwall Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Nickwall Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Although its condition is currently not rated, regular inspections and risk management measures are in place to safeguard the surrounding community and ecosystem.
Overall, Nickwall Dam is a vital infrastructure for water resource management in McCone County, Montana. As a part of the Omaha District and under the jurisdiction of the state, this dam contributes to the protection of downstream areas by managing water flow and providing essential services to the local community. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Nickwall an interesting case study in sustainable dam management and risk mitigation strategies.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
NICKWALL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
0.78 |
Nid Storage |
57 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Nickwall