Karen #3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Murnions (Jim) Sonny #1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Karen #3 is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Garfield County, Montana, along Ada Creek.
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Summary
Designed by USDA NRCS in 1974, this earth dam stands at 22 feet high and has a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential, this dam plays a crucial role in providing water for irrigation purposes in the area.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources Conservation (DNRC), Karen #3 is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam has a spillway width of 150 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 750 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is yet to be rated, indicating the need for further evaluation and maintenance to ensure its long-term reliability.
Located in the picturesque city of Van Norman, this dam is a vital piece of infrastructure in the region, serving the agricultural community by providing water for irrigation. With its historical significance and importance in water resource management, Karen #3 highlights the intersection of water conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture practices in Montana.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
ADA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
3.98 |
Nid Storage |
61 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Karen #3