Lester #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lester #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Carbon County, Montana, near the city of Fromberg.


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Summary

Completed in 1941, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond. It is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

With a dam height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 122 acre-feet, Lester #1 has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. While the dam has not been inspected recently, it is situated on TR-Sand Creek and serves as a vital resource for water management in the region. With its historical significance and ongoing role in providing essential services, Lester #1 is a key component of Montana's water infrastructure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lester #1 offers a glimpse into the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship. As part of the Omaha District and Congressional District 00 in Montana, the dam represents a balance between human needs for water management and the preservation of natural ecosystems. With its primary purpose of fire protection and stock maintenance, Lester #1 showcases the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-SAND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

122

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.