Gearhart #13 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Montana #6 Big Timber #1
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Gearhart #13, also known as El Ranch, is a privately owned earth dam located in Rosebud, Montana, specifically in the city of Forsyth.
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Summary
Built in 1953 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 225 feet, Gearhart #13 has a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet and covers a drainage area of 0.47 square miles along the TR-Dry Creek.
Managed by the DNRC and under state jurisdiction, Gearhart #13 has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk level. The spillway of this dam is uncontrolled with a width of 100 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 700 cubic feet per second. Despite not having a current condition assessment, Gearhart #13 continues to provide essential water resource management for the surrounding area, highlighting the importance of proper infrastructure in mitigating climate-related risks and ensuring water availability for various needs.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design, purpose, and risk assessment of dams like Gearhart #13 is crucial in ensuring sustainable water management practices. With its location in a critical watershed area and its multiple uses, this dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure that requires ongoing inspection and maintenance to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the continued availability of water for various purposes in the region.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
225 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-DRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
0.47 |
Nid Storage |
73 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Gearhart #13