Christenson Reservoir Report
Nearby: Section Four Harmony
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Christenson is a private earth dam located in Garfield, Montana, along Christenson Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1965 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes, this dam stands at 15 feet tall and spans 200 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a normal storage of 47 acre-feet, Christenson Dam serves as a vital resource for water management in the area.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Christenson Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated. With no recent inspection or assessment data available, there is a need for further monitoring and evaluation to ensure the long-term integrity of this critical water resource infrastructure.
Located in a remote area with no associated structures or nearby city, Christenson Dam provides essential water storage and management for its surrounding environment. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding and maintaining the resilience of structures like Christenson Dam is crucial for ensuring sustainable water availability and conservation in the region.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
CHRISTENSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Yellowstone River At Forsyth Mt
|
5430cfs |
Yellowstone River At Miles City Mt
|
8100cfs |
Tongue River At Miles City Mt
|
263cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
1cfs |
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.
Christenson