Gardner #1 (East Dam) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gardner #1 (East Dam) is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Carter County, Montana, along the Little Groat Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 33 feet high and has a maximum storage capacity of 240 acre-feet. With a surface area of 24 acres and a drainage area of 2.66 square miles, the dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation in the region.

Despite being classified as low hazard potential, Gardner #1 (East Dam) is equipped with a spillway width of 50 feet to manage a maximum discharge of 855 cubic feet per second. The dam has not been inspected since June 1997, and its condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated." While it is regulated by the DNRC and falls under state jurisdiction, the dam lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and does not meet guidelines for emergency preparedness.

As a crucial structure for water resource management in the area, Gardner #1 (East Dam) presents an opportunity for stakeholders to prioritize its inspection, maintenance, and emergency preparedness efforts. With its important role in irrigation and potential impact on surrounding communities, ensuring the safety and functionality of this dam is essential for sustainable water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

660

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

LITTLE GROAT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

2.66

Nid Storage

240

Structural Height

46

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

46
       
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.