Tempel Reservoir Report
Nearby: Procyon Dragons Head
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Tempel is a privately owned earth dam located in Gildford, Montana, along the Little Sage Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1967, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond. With a dam height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet, Tempel has a low hazard potential and is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, but it is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state authorities.
Situated in Liberty County, Tempel Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management within the region. With a normal storage capacity of 56 acre-feet, this structure contributes to the overall water supply and ecological balance of the area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and other management measures are currently not available, indicating a potential area for improvement in terms of preparedness and safety protocols.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Tempel offers a fascinating example of a privately owned dam that supports various environmental and agricultural activities in Montana. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, this earth dam underscores the importance of responsible management and regulatory oversight to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region. With its location in the picturesque landscape of Gildford and its integral role in water storage and distribution, Tempel stands as a symbol of the intersection between human development and natural resource conservation in the Montana countryside.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE SAGE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
91 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Tempel