Swift (Prairie) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lower Schlenker Retention Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Swift (Prairie) is a privately owned dam located in Montana, specifically in Prairie County.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond. It stands at a height of 40 feet and has a storage capacity of 189 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Slinker Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
Despite its low hazard potential, Swift (Prairie) is regulated and inspected by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam has not been rated for condition assessment, and emergency action plans are not currently in place. Owned by a private entity, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources for various uses in the region. With its strategic location and purpose, Swift (Prairie) contributes to the conservation and management of water resources in the area.
As a significant structure for water management, Swift (Prairie) showcases the importance of private ownership in maintaining and operating dams for multiple purposes. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, the dam continues to provide essential services for fire protection, livestock, and recreation. Its presence on Slinker Creek underscores the interconnectedness of water resources and climate management, emphasizing the need for responsible ownership and regulatory oversight to ensure the sustainability of these vital water sources.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
120 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
SLINKER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Nid Storage |
189 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
4cfs |
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Yellowstone River At Miles City Mt
|
8100cfs |
Tongue River At Miles City Mt
|
263cfs |
Powder River Near Locate Mt
|
231cfs |
Yellowstone River At Glendive Mt
|
6000cfs |
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.
Swift (Prairie)