Ash Creek Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mcmullin Bros Upper Lower
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ash Creek, also known as Dinosaur Dam, is a privately owned earth dam in Prairie, Montana, built in 1951 for irrigation purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Managed by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a storage capacity of 458 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 12.45 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Montana DNRC, ensuring its safety and compliance with state standards.
Located in a remote area with no associated structures, Ash Creek plays a crucial role in providing water for agricultural purposes in the region. With a maximum discharge of 1200 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 150 feet, the dam is designed to handle potential flood events effectively. While it is currently rated as 'Not Rated' in terms of condition assessment, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified, highlighting the need for further evaluation and preparedness to mitigate any potential risks.
Overall, Ash Creek represents a valuable water resource infrastructure in Montana, contributing to the irrigation needs of the local community. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of water management and conservation in sustaining agricultural activities in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor and support efforts to ensure the safety and effectiveness of such critical infrastructure for the benefit of both human activities and the surrounding ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
ASH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
12.45 |
Nid Storage |
458 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Ash Creek