Coleman #1 Reservoir Report

Nearby: Mr Pp Van #2

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Garfield County, Montana, Coleman #1 is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1960 by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This multipurpose structure stands at a height of 18 feet and has a length of 300 feet, providing a storage capacity of 131 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Big Dry Creek, the dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, with inspection, permitting, and enforcement protocols in place to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Coleman #1 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. The dam has a spillway width of 30 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 150 cfs, making it a vital asset for flood control and water supply management. Despite being categorized as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the structure's risk management measures are in place to mitigate any potential issues and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.

As an essential component of the water infrastructure in the area, Coleman #1 serves as a lifeline for fire protection, livestock, and aquatic life support. With its strategic location and design specifications, this dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience, showcasing the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in adapting to changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-BIG DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

1.09

Nid Storage

131

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.