Ness #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Russiff #2 Russiff #1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ness #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Powder River, Montana, designed by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1950, this dam stands at a height of 22 feet with a length of 405 feet, providing a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet for Little Bobcat Creek. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in a not rated condition assessment status.
Despite being a privately owned structure, Ness #1 is regulated and permitted by the state of Montana, with inspection, enforcement, and regulatory oversight provided by the DNRC. The dam is located in Congressional District 00, Montana, under the representation of Greg Gianforte (R), and falls within the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the USACE. Ness #1 has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, with no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) currently prepared. The spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 50 feet, and the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the infrastructure and management of dams in Montana will find Ness #1 an intriguing case study. With its historical significance and current regulatory status, this earth dam serves multiple purposes while maintaining a low hazard potential. The detailed data provided offers insight into the design, construction, and current condition of the dam, highlighting the importance of proper management and oversight in ensuring the safety and functionality of water resource structures.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
405 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE BOBCAT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
2.36 |
Nid Storage |
69 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Ness #1