M Gaskill #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

M Gaskill #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Miles City, Montana, along Rough Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1965, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 10 feet and a length of 65 feet, it has a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet and a normal storage of 8 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Situated in Powder River County, M Gaskill #1 is located within Congressional District 00 of Montana and falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. While the dam's condition has not been officially rated, it is considered to have a low hazard potential. The emergency action plan (EAP) status, risk assessment, and management measures for the dam are currently not available, indicating a potential area for improvement in terms of preparedness and response in case of emergencies. Overall, M Gaskill #1 stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region, providing essential services for both agricultural and ecological needs.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, M Gaskill #1 presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam in a rural setting. Its location along Rough Creek in Montana highlights the importance of small-scale dams in supporting local communities for fire protection, livestock watering, and fisheries enhancement. By understanding the regulatory framework, design features, and operational aspects of M Gaskill #1, enthusiasts can gain insights into the challenges and opportunities in managing water resources in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

65

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

ROUGH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

66

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.
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Area Campgrounds