Jelly Bean Reservoir Report
Nearby: Arther Dengel #1 Baby Food
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Jelly Bean is a state-regulated irrigation dam located in Fergus County, Montana, along the TR-FORDS CREEK.
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Summary
Built in 1940 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 800 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 97 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation and is under the jurisdiction of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, Jelly Bean is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is owned and operated by the state of Montana and plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 600 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 120 feet, Jelly Bean is a key infrastructure for agricultural irrigation in the area.
Located in the Congressional District 00 of Montana, Jelly Bean is a vital component of the local water supply system. With its historical significance dating back to the early 20th century, this state-owned dam continues to support the agricultural community in the region while adhering to state regulations and safety standards. As a part of the Natural Resources Conservation Service's portfolio, Jelly Bean represents a sustainable and carefully regulated water resource for the benefit of the surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-FORDS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
1.56 |
Nid Storage |
97 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Jelly Bean