Goodian Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kiemle Dees Brothers
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Goodian, Howard is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Havre, Montana, along the Sage Creek.
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Summary
Constructed in 1947 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 446 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 1012.5 square miles, the dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation, providing essential water resources for agricultural activities in the region.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Goodian, Howard is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as low hazard potential and not rated for condition assessment, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and agriculture in Hill County, Montana. With a maximum discharge capacity of 280 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 50 feet, the dam is equipped to handle potential water flow events effectively.
While lacking detailed risk assessment and emergency action plans, Goodian, Howard remains a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region. With its history dating back to over seven decades, the dam stands as a testament to sustainable water management practices and the importance of irrigation infrastructure in supporting agricultural activities in Montana.
Year Completed |
1947 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
SAGE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
1012.5 |
Nid Storage |
446 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Sandy Creek Near Havre Mt
|
6cfs |
Milk River At Havre Mt
|
42cfs |
Missouri River At Virgelle Mt
|
4290cfs |
Clear Creek Near Chinook Mt
|
21cfs |
Teton River At Loma Mt
|
30cfs |
Marias River Near Loma Mt
|
335cfs |
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.
Goodian, Howard