Ed Rath #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hanley Palm Ranch #2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ed Rath #1 is a privately owned dam located in Carter, Montana, along the TR-S Fork Milk Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1940 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 1500 feet in length. Its primary purposes include fire protection, stock watering, and serving as a small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 124 acre-feet. Despite being rated as having low hazard potential, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Montana Department of Natural Resources Conservation (DNRC) to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Situated in a rural area near Ismay, Ed Rath #1 plays a vital role in providing essential water resources for the local community. With a drainage area of 7.81 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 4000 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing water flow and storage in the region. While its condition assessment is not rated, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures in the future.
As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Ed Rath #1 contributes to fire protection, livestock watering, and ecological conservation in the area. With its uncontrolled spillway and moderate risk assessment, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and managing water resources in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner. The involvement of the Natural Resources Conservation Service in its construction highlights the collaborative efforts of government agencies and private landowners in ensuring the safety and functionality of water structures like Ed Rath #1.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
1500 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-S FORK MILK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
7.81 |
Nid Storage |
124 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Ed Rath #1