Christensen L&C #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: R Downs #7 R E Peterson #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Christensen L&C #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Big Horn, Montana, completed in 1958 by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam has a height of 12 feet and a length of 425 feet, with a storage capacity of 99 acre-feet and a drainage area of 8.55 square miles. It is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and has a low hazard potential with a moderate risk rating.
Situated on the TR-North Fork Two Leggins Creek, Christensen L&C #1 serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area, with a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second. The spillway, of uncontrolled type, is 50 feet wide to manage excess water flow. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state, ensuring its structural integrity and safety for emergency situations. The dam is a testament to effective water management practices in Montana, contributing to both water conservation and climate resilience efforts in the region.
With its strategic location in Congressional District 00 of Montana, Christensen L&C #1 embodies the collaboration between private ownership and government agencies in maintaining water infrastructure for multiple purposes. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design, purpose, and regulatory framework of dams like Christensen L&C #1 is essential for advocating sustainable water management practices and resilience-building measures in the face of changing climate conditions. This dam serves as a model for how effective water infrastructure can enhance both public safety and environmental preservation in the region.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
425 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NORTH FORK TWO LEGGINS CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
8.55 |
Nid Storage |
99 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Christensen L&C #1