R Downs #7 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

R Downs #7 is a privately owned dam located in Big Horn, Montana, along the TR-WILLIAMS COULEE river.


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Summary

Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet, the dam has a normal storage level of 28 acre-feet.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), R Downs #7 has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Although the dam has not been inspected recently, it is built to meet state regulatory standards, with inspection, enforcement, and permitting processes in place to ensure its safety and compliance. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its intended purposes effectively.

Located in the jurisdiction of Congressional District 00, Montana, R Downs #7 is part of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With its strategic location in Hardin, Montana, this dam plays a vital role in the local community's water resource management and environmental conservation efforts. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor and support the maintenance and upkeep of dams like R Downs #7 to ensure the sustainable management of water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-WILLIAMS COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

54

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.