Conover #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Conover #2 Frey
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Conover #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Yellowstone County, Montana, specifically on TR-Painted Robe Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1970 for irrigation purposes, this dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 1320 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 111 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is subject to state jurisdiction and inspection.
Despite its low hazard potential, Conover #1 has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam has not been modified in recent years, and no emergency action plan (EAP) or inundation maps have been prepared for the structure. While the dam meets state permitting and enforcement requirements, there is limited information available regarding its overall risk assessment and management measures. The Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is not involved in the ownership, funding, design, construction, or operation of Conover #1.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Conover #1 presents an interesting case study in the management and regulation of private irrigation dams in Montana. With a focus on water storage and distribution for agricultural purposes, this dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in the region. However, the lack of recent inspections, condition ratings, and emergency preparedness plans raise questions about the long-term safety and resilience of the structure in the face of changing hydrological conditions and climate impacts. As efforts to improve dam safety and water resource management continue to evolve, Conover #1 provides a valuable example of the challenges and opportunities associated with maintaining and regulating essential water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
1320 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PAINTED ROBE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
111 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Conover #1