Fish Reservoir Report

Nearby: Pants Cactus

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fish Creek Dam, located in Dell, Montana, is a private irrigation structure designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1956.


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Summary

The dam stands at 24 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 113 acre-feet, with a primary purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed as being in "Not Available" condition.

The Fish Creek Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in Beaverhead County, Montana, providing essential irrigation water for agricultural activities. Situated in the Fish Creek watershed, this earth dam helps regulate water flow and storage, contributing to sustainable water use in the region. Despite its age, the dam continues to fulfill its intended purpose effectively, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure for water resource sustainability.

With its strategic location in the Walla Walla District and under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service, the Fish Creek Dam serves as a vital water management tool in the region. As the climate continues to change and water resources become increasingly scarce, structures like the Fish Creek Dam play a critical role in ensuring water availability for agriculture and other uses. By leveraging the expertise of agencies like USDA NRCS, the dam remains a key asset for water security in the area.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

35

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

Fish Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

113

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.