N E Olsen #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Big Bucks #14 Big Bucks #15
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
N E Olsen #1 is a privately owned dam located in Garfield, Montana, specifically in the city of VAN NORMAN.
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Summary
Completed in 1938, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 125 feet. Its primary purposes include fire protection, stock, and serving as a small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet, the dam is primarily regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state.
Situated on TR-FRAZER CREEK, N E Olsen #1 serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, this dam plays a key role in fire protection and supporting local wildlife. Despite not being owned or funded by any federal agencies, the dam continues to provide essential functions for the community, demonstrating the importance of private water infrastructure in maintaining a sustainable and resilient water supply in the face of changing climate conditions.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the significance of dams like N E Olsen #1 in managing water resources and mitigating potential risks. By understanding the regulatory framework, purpose, and condition of such structures, we can better appreciate the role they play in protecting communities and ecosystems. With ongoing inspections and enforcement measures in place, N E Olsen #1 stands as a testament to the importance of proactive management of water infrastructure in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
125 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-FRAZER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
57 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Milk River At Nashua Mt
|
233cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
1cfs |
Musselshell River At Mosby Mt
|
12cfs |
Milk River At Tampico Mt
|
123cfs |
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.
N E Olsen #1