Circle Reservoir Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dean S #2 Jensen No 3 (Dawson)
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Circle Reservoir, located in Dawson County, Montana, serves multiple important purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond.
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Summary
The earth dam, standing at 15 feet in height and 100 feet in length, was completed in 1950 and has a storage capacity of 93 acre-feet. The reservoir is situated along Sullivan Creek and is owned by a private entity, with state regulatory oversight by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
Despite its low hazard potential, Circle Reservoir plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, providing essential water resources for both wildlife and agricultural activities in the area. The reservoir's location in Poplar, Montana, makes it a key feature in the region's water management infrastructure. While the dam's condition is currently rated as "Not Rated," its importance for the community underscores the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its long-term functionality and safety.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and availability, maintaining and properly managing reservoirs like Circle Reservoir becomes increasingly vital. With its capacity to support various uses and its significance in the local landscape, Circle Reservoir stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
SULLIVAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
93 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
1cfs |
Yellowstone River At Glendive Mt
|
6000cfs |
Missouri River Near Wolf Point Mt
|
5020cfs |
Poplar River Near Poplar Mt
|
28cfs |
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Yellowstone River Near Sidney Mt
|
6130cfs |
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.
Circle Reservoir