Hassett #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hassett #1 is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Petroleum County, Montana, along Flatwillow Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1944 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and stretches 175 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet, it serves the primary purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state authorities.

Despite its age, Hassett #1 has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for condition assessment. Its emergency action plan (EAP) status, risk assessment, and management measures are not available, indicating a need for further evaluation and preparedness. The dam is not under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers and does not have associated locks or spillways. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hassett #1 presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of agricultural water management, dam safety, and regulatory oversight in Montana's rural landscape.

Year Completed

1944

Dam Length

175

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

FLATWILLOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

0.47

Nid Storage

59

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.