Standish #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Standish #3 is a privately owned earth dam located in Rosebud, Montana, along the TR-Little Porcupine Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a height of 14 feet and a length of 250 feet, Standish #3 has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a normal storage of 29 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is not rated, indicating a need for further inspection and evaluation.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Standish #3 is regulated by the state and subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks detailed risk assessment information, its emergency action plan status and compliance with guidelines remain unknown. The dam's location in a congressional district represented by Greg Gianforte (R) adds a political dimension to its management and oversight.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Standish #3 presents an intriguing case study of a small-scale dam with multiple uses in a rural Montana setting. The dam's history, design, and regulatory status offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with managing water resources for various purposes, from fire protection to livestock management. As interest in sustainable water management practices grows, Standish #3 serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring and maintaining infrastructure to ensure safety and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE PORCUPINE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

60

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.