Christmas Dam #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Garfield, Montana, along the TR-E Fork Woody Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 300 feet in length. With a capacity of 106 acre-feet, it primarily serves the purposes of fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond creation.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Christmas Dam #1 is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a maximum discharge capacity of 100 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway width of 20 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Christmas Dam #1 presents an intriguing case study of a small-scale dam with moderate risk management measures. Situated in a picturesque rural setting, this dam exemplifies the intersection of human infrastructure with natural ecosystems, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in mitigating potential hazards and preserving the surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-E FORK WOODY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
1.13 |
Nid Storage |
106 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
4cfs |
Milk River At Nashua Mt
|
233cfs |
Missouri River Near Wolf Point Mt
|
5020cfs |
Milk River At Tampico Mt
|
123cfs |