Summary
This dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 20 feet and a length of 300 feet, Smith Ranch 2 has a storage capacity of 217 acre-feet and a drainage area of 7.03 square miles. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state.
Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for condition, Smith Ranch 2 poses a moderate risk as rated by the risk assessment scale. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled with a width of 200 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 1000 cubic feet per second. The dam is situated on TR-Little Dry Creek, a tributary in Garfield County, and is under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Smith Ranch 2 to be an intriguing structure, combining functionality for fire protection and agriculture with environmental stewardship. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a vital component of the water infrastructure in Montana. The data provided highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the area.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE DRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
7.03 |
Nid Storage |
217 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Yellowstone River At Forsyth Mt
|
5430cfs |
Yellowstone River At Miles City Mt
|
8100cfs |
Tongue River At Miles City Mt
|
263cfs |
Musselshell River At Mosby Mt
|
12cfs |
Flatwillow Creek Near Mosby Mt
|
17cfs |
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.
Smith Ranch 2