Big Timber #5 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Schiffer #6 Schlesinger #4
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Big Timber #5 is a privately owned earth dam located in Rosebud County, Montana, near the city of Forsyth.
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Summary
Built in 1953, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond. With a height of 16 feet and a length of 600 feet, Big Timber #5 has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 43 acre-feet. Situated on TR-East Blacktail Creek, this dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, with inspection and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and functionality.
The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. While the last inspection date and assessment date are not available, it is known that the dam meets state regulatory requirements and is part of the state jurisdiction. The emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures for Big Timber #5 have not been specified, indicating a potential area for improvement in terms of preparedness and response strategies. Despite these uncertainties, the dam continues to play a vital role in water resource management and conservation efforts in the region.
As an essential infrastructure for water storage and management, Big Timber #5 contributes to the sustainability of the local ecosystem and supports various agricultural and recreational activities in the area. With its strategic location and purposeful design, this dam serves as a critical resource for mitigating fire risks, providing water for livestock, and enhancing the natural habitat for fish populations. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Big Timber #5 highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams to ensure their long-term effectiveness and safety in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-EAST BLACKTAIL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Big Timber #5