Downs Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wolff Danial Downs #2
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Downs, Jack is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Glendive, Montana, along the Timber Fork Sevenmile Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1938 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a storage capacity of 266 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 90 acre-feet. The dam spans 850 feet in length and is regulated by the state agency DNRC, with regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
Despite its low hazard potential, Downs, Jack plays a crucial role in providing irrigation water to the surrounding area, supporting agricultural activities in Dawson County. The dam also helps manage the flow of the Timber Fork Sevenmile Creek, with a maximum discharge capacity of 550 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment of the dam is currently not rated, it is under the jurisdiction of the state and subject to regulatory oversight to maintain its integrity and functionality.
Owned and operated by a private entity, Downs, Jack is a significant water resource infrastructure in Montana that continues to serve its primary purpose of irrigation. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1930s, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of water management in sustaining agriculture and local communities in the region. As climate change impacts water resources, the maintenance and regulation of structures like Downs, Jack will be crucial in ensuring water sustainability for future generations.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
850 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TIMBER FORK SEVENMILE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
18.28 |
Nid Storage |
266 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Yellowstone River At Glendive Mt
|
6000cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
1cfs |
Beaver Creek Nr Trotters
|
0cfs |
Powder River Near Locate Mt
|
231cfs |
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Yellowstone River Near Sidney Mt
|
6130cfs |
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.
Downs, Jack