Powell #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Powell #2 Shipley's (Custer)
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Powell #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Custer County, Montana, near the city of Miles City.
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Summary
Built in 1966, the dam stands at 24 feet high and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 102 acre-feet. This multipurpose structure serves as a fire protection, stock, and small fish pond, contributing to the conservation and management of water resources in the area.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Powell #1 is state-regulated and subject to regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating risks and ensuring the safety of nearby communities and ecosystems. Despite its age, Powell #1 continues to serve its intended purposes effectively, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience.
Located on TR-Brown Creek in the Omaha District, Powell #1 is positioned within Congressional District 00 of Montana, represented by Greg Gianforte. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its significance in providing essential services for firefighting, livestock, and aquatic habitat underscores the interconnectedness of water resources and climate adaptation efforts. As water enthusiasts and climate advocates, understanding and supporting the upkeep of structures like Powell #1 is crucial for sustainable water management and environmental stewardship in the region.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BROWN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
102 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Powell #1