Desert Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Desert is a privately owned Earth dam located in Montana, specifically in Valley County near Nashua.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1956, this structure serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the Desert Coulee, with a dam height of 20 feet and a length of 1005 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 299 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 153 acre-feet, and a maximum discharge capability of 200 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Desert Dam is considered to have a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it is subject to regular state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its continued safety and efficacy for flood risk reduction in the region. The surrounding area, including the Congressional District 00 in Montana, benefits from the presence of Desert Dam as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the arid desert landscape.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
1005 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
DESERT COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
299 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Desert