Christensen #3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Christensen #6 Failing #3
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Christensen #3, located in Miles City, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1955 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes along Chinniek Creek.
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Summary
With a dam height of 24 feet and a storage capacity of 71 acre-feet, this low-hazard potential structure serves the local community as part of the state-regulated water resource system. Although its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
The dam, covering a length of 300 feet, plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Custer County, Montana, with a normal storage capacity of 40 acre-feet. Despite not having a designated spillway type or spillway width, Christensen #3 remains a vital infrastructure for maintaining water supply and mitigating potential risks in the region. The structure is overseen by the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring compliance with state regulations and safety standards.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of dams like Christensen #3 in sustainable water management is crucial for addressing the challenges of climate change and water scarcity. By recognizing the role of such structures in supporting various community needs, from fire protection to livestock watering, we can advocate for responsible stewardship of water resources and infrastructure maintenance to ensure long-term resilience in the face of evolving environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
CHINNIEK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
71 |
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.
Christensen #3