Beecher #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Beecher #3 Aybee
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Beecher #1 is a private earth dam located in Garfield, Montana, specifically in the city of Cohagen.
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Summary
Completed in 1950, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond. Situated on Cottonwood Creek, the dam has a height of 20 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 103 acre-feet. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type of Beecher #1 is in good condition, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
Owned and regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Beecher #1 is in compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. The dam's location in the Omaha District and Congressional District 00 of Montana adds to its significance in water resource management. With a risk assessment rating of moderate (3), there is a need for ongoing monitoring and possibly risk management measures to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam for the surrounding community and ecosystem.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Beecher #1 to be a fascinating structure due to its historical significance, multiple purposes, and moderate risk assessment. The dam's location on Cottonwood Creek and its role in providing fire protection, stock water, and a small fish pond highlight its importance in the local landscape. As a privately owned earth dam, Beecher #1 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners and state regulators in managing water resources effectively and responsibly in Montana.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
396 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
103 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Yellowstone River At Forsyth Mt
|
5430cfs |
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Yellowstone River At Miles City Mt
|
8100cfs |
Musselshell River At Mosby Mt
|
12cfs |
Flatwillow Creek Near Mosby Mt
|
17cfs |
Tongue River At Miles City Mt
|
263cfs |
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.
Beecher #1