Olson (Richland) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Folkoord Buxbaum #2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Olson (Richland) is a privately owned water resource located in Richland County, Montana.
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Summary
Built in 1958 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves multiple purposes such as fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond maintenance. The dam stands at a height of 30 feet, with a storage capacity of 248 acre-feet and a drainage area of 6.44 square miles. It is situated along the TR-O'BRIEN CREEK, about 19 miles from the city of SIDNEY.
With a significant hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite being under state jurisdiction and regulation by the DNRC, certain details such as the last inspection date and inspection frequency remain unknown. The dam's spillway width is recorded at 73 feet, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 364 cubic feet per second. The risk management measures, emergency action plan status, and inundation maps prepared for this structure are also unspecified.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Olson (Richland) to be an intriguing case study due to its historical significance, unique purpose, and regulatory oversight. The dam's location in a rural area of Montana, along with its association with fire protection and livestock management, adds to its complexity and importance in the region. Further research and assessment are needed to understand the current state of this dam and ensure its safety and sustainability for the future.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-O'BRIEN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
6.44 |
Nid Storage |
248 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Olson (Richland)