Kniepp #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Kniepp #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Rosebud County, Montana, specifically in the city of Forsyth.


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Summary

Completed in 1959, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. It sits on Starved to Death Creek and has a height of 18 feet and a length of 250 feet, providing a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Kniepp #1 is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) with regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement measures in place. The dam has not been rated for its current condition, but it meets state jurisdiction requirements and is part of the state's monitoring and regulatory framework for water resource management. The dam's emergency action plan and risk assessment measures are not currently available, indicating room for improvement in disaster preparedness and management.

Overall, Kniepp #1 serves as a vital resource for local water management and conservation efforts in the area, contributing to fire protection and livestock watering needs. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this dam exemplifies the intersection of private ownership and state regulation in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in Montana. For enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate resilience, Kniepp #1 offers a compelling case study of dam infrastructure in a rural setting.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

STARVED TO DEATH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

98

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.