Christianson Reservoir Report
Nearby: Shady Lane Ruff Creek Retention Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Christianson is a privately owned earth dam located in Wolf Point, Montana, designed by USDA NRCS in 1960 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam stands at 29 feet high with a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a length of 250 feet, providing a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet and covering a drainage area of 0.94 square miles. Its spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 30 feet, and it has a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating.
Situated on TR-SHADE CREEK in McCone County, Christianson serves as a vital water resource for the area, with a maximum discharge of 300 cubic feet per second. Despite being regulated and inspected by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the dam's condition is currently not rated, and it lacks an emergency action plan or updated contact information. However, with its historical significance and functional purpose for the community, Christianson remains an essential structure for water management and conservation efforts in the region, offering benefits for both human and ecological needs.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Christianson represents a key component of the local landscape, providing valuable storage capacity for fire protection, livestock, and aquatic habitats. As a privately owned dam with a low hazard potential, it stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the USDA NRCS and the state regulatory agencies to ensure the safety and sustainability of water infrastructure in Montana. With its moderate risk assessment rating and uncontrolled spillway, Christianson offers a unique opportunity for further study and evaluation in the context of climate change and water resource management, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to address potential risks and enhance the resilience of critical water infrastructure in the region.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SHADE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
0.94 |
Nid Storage |
85 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Missouri River Near Wolf Point Mt
|
5020cfs |
Milk River At Nashua Mt
|
233cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
4cfs |
Poplar River Near Poplar Mt
|
28cfs |
Milk River At Tampico Mt
|
123cfs |
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.
Christianson