Drabbels Reservoir Report
Nearby: Olson #2 (Phillips) Hillbilly
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Drabbels, a private earth dam located in Saco, Montana, was designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1960 for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
With a height of 15 feet and a length of 100 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 131 acre-feet and serves the TR-GONZALES COULEE river or stream. Despite being uncontrolled, Drabbels has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3.
Owned by a private entity and regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Drabbels is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Although its condition assessment is currently "Not Rated," the dam is considered to meet guidelines for emergency action plans (EAP) and risk management measures. The risk of the dam is adequately managed, but its maintenance and inspection frequency remain unspecified.
Overall, Drabbels presents a unique opportunity for recreational activities in Phillips County, Montana, while also serving as a vital water resource infrastructure for the local community. With its historical significance and moderate risk profile, this earth dam stands as a testament to effective collaboration between private owners and state regulatory agencies in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-GONZALES COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
2.41 |
Nid Storage |
131 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Drabbels