Montana #17 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Big Timber #21 Big Timber #16
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Montana #17, located in Forsyth, Montana, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1940 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), this dam stands at 18 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Montana #17 serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the area.
Constructed by the USDA NRCS, Montana #17 plays a vital role in providing water storage for fire protection and agricultural purposes in the region. The dam, located on Blind Coulee, has a drainage area of 7.81 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 35 acre-feet. While the condition of the dam is currently not rated, it is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced by state regulatory agencies to ensure its safety and functionality.
As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Montana #17 not only serves practical purposes but also contributes to the overall water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area. With its controlled spillway and state-regulated operations, this earth dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between state and federal agencies in safeguarding water resources for the community.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
BLIND COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
7.81 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Montana #17