Marsh Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Marsh Dam, located in Sheridan, Montana, was completed in 1967 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
With a height of 27 feet and a length of 400 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 440 cubic feet per second. The dam is primarily an earth-filled structure with an uncontrolled spillway.
Managed by a private owner, Marsh Dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement measures. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not currently assessed for condition, the dam presents a moderate risk level of 3 due to its location on Marron Creek and its potential impact on the surrounding area in the event of failure. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk management measures, and inundation maps are not currently updated or available.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Marsh Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for water storage and management in the region, contributing to fire protection, agricultural needs, and habitat preservation. Its location on Marron Creek and its design parameters make it a vital component of the local ecosystem, while also presenting a potential risk that requires ongoing monitoring and management to ensure the safety of nearby communities and the environment. The dam's history, purpose, and current state highlight the importance of sustainable water resource management practices and the need for continued investment in infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
MARRON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
1.6 |
Nid Storage |
63 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Marsh Dam