J Galt #11 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

J Galt #11 is a private earth dam located in Forsyth, Montana, along TR-East Blacktail Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a height of 18 feet and a length of 300 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 600 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) with regular state inspection, permitting, and enforcement in place. The spillway, which is uncontrolled, is 100 feet wide and can handle excess water flow efficiently. The risk assessment for J Galt #11 indicates a moderate risk level of 3, prompting the need for continuous monitoring and risk management measures.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find J Galt #11 an intriguing structure to study, given its location in a critical watershed area and its impact on local water resources. The dam's design and purpose make it a valuable asset for fire protection and water storage, highlighting the importance of maintaining and managing such infrastructure for sustainable water management practices. Additionally, being in a state-regulated jurisdiction with a designated regulatory agency ensures that the dam is subject to stringent safety protocols and inspections to mitigate any potential risks to the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-EAST BLACKTAIL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

1.25

Nid Storage

88

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.