Cherry Creek Reservoir Report
Nearby: Big Reservoir Hay Creek Reservoir
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Cherry Creek, located in Rosebud County, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1966 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Managed by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a storage capacity of 137 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Cherry Creek serves as a crucial water resource in the region for both agricultural and environmental needs.
The dam, situated on Cherry Creek, has a drainage area of 10.94 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 740 cubic feet per second. Equipped with an uncontrolled spillway measuring 100 feet in width, Cherry Creek Dam plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability during dry seasons. Despite being not currently rated for its condition, the dam's regular inspections, enforcement, and regulatory oversight by DNRC ensure its continued functionality and safety.
Overall, Cherry Creek Dam is a key infrastructure providing valuable water resources for the community of Cartersville and surrounding areas. Its strategic location, design, and purpose highlight its importance in water management, especially for fire protection, livestock, and conservation efforts in the region. As a significant asset in the local water infrastructure, Cherry Creek Dam represents a vital component in the sustainable use and conservation of water resources in Montana.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
CHERRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
10.94 |
Nid Storage |
137 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Cherry Creek