Brown Diversion Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brown (Liberty) Two Turtle Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Brown Diversion Dam, located in Havre, Montana, along the Sears Coulee river, was completed in 1976 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 30 feet tall and spans 400 feet in length, with a primary purpose of irrigation. With a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet, the dam serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding agricultural community in Liberty County.
Managed by a private owner, Brown Diversion Dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition has not been officially rated, and there is no available information on emergency action plans or risk assessments.
Though not funded or operated by any federal agencies, Brown Diversion Dam remains an essential infrastructure for water diversion and irrigation in the region. Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate adaptation will find this dam's design, purpose, and regulatory framework intriguing for studying the intersection of water infrastructure and environmental stewardship in Montana.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
SEARS COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
5.23 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Brown Diversion Dam