Donald Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Donald is a private dam located in the beautiful state of Montana, specifically in Sweet Grass County near the city of Greycliff.


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Summary

Built in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes on Fish Creek. With a maximum storage capacity of 10 acre-feet and a hydraulic height of 17 feet, Donald is a significant water resource with a hazard potential that is considered to be significant.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Donald is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Although not currently rated for condition assessment, it is important to note that this dam has not been modified over the years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps. As a water resource and climate enthusiast, you may find Donald to be an intriguing structure worth exploring and monitoring for potential risks and management measures in the future.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

FISH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

10

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.