Big Timber #15 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Big Timber #17 Big Timber #16
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Big Timber #15 is a privately owned dam located in Rosebud County, Montana, specifically in the city of Hammond.
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Summary
Completed in 1958, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 201 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 123 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.
Situated on the TR-West Blacktail Creek, Big Timber #15 is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated, and there is no recent inspection data available. However, the dam is state-regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced, ensuring its compliance with safety standards. With its strategic location and vital functions, Big Timber #15 is an essential infrastructure for water supply, wildlife habitat, and emergency preparedness in the region.
As an integral part of the local water resource infrastructure, Big Timber #15 provides valuable benefits for the community while also posing minimal risks. While the dam's condition assessment is pending, its primary purpose of fire protection, stock, and fish pond maintenance underscores its importance for both human and environmental well-being. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1950s, Big Timber #15 stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of water management structures in addressing the needs of a changing climate and evolving water resource demands.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WEST BLACKTAIL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
201 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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 #15