Shale Creek Reservoir Report
Nearby: Felt Coulee Dam Ostleer Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Shale Creek, also known as Vogel Reservoir, is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Petroleum County, Montana.
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Summary
Built in 1957 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 29 feet high and has a hydraulic height of 22.6 feet. With a storage capacity of 930 acre-feet and a drainage area of 6.25 square miles, Shale Creek serves the primary purpose of irrigating surrounding agricultural lands in the area.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Shale Creek is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of yet. The surrounding Box Elder Creek watershed benefits from the storage and regulation provided by Shale Creek, contributing to water resource management efforts in the region.
Though not under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Shale Creek plays a vital role in water resource management in the area. With a stable condition and a history of serving the local agricultural community, this irrigation dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
1350 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
BOX ELDER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22.6 |
Drainage Area |
6.25 |
Nid Storage |
930 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Shale Creek