Mathew James #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Schaffer #1 Russell #1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Mathew James #1 is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Montana, specifically in Powder River near the city of Poplar.
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Summary
Built in 1949 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam stands at 26 feet in height and has a length of 500 feet, providing a storage capacity of 263 acre-feet for the Gyp Creek watershed. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," this structure is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the DNRC to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Situated in Congressional District 00, Montana, Mathew James #1 plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region by providing irrigation water to surrounding farmlands. The dam has a spillway width of 16 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 160 cubic feet per second, ensuring efficient water management during peak flow periods. While the dam's Emergency Action Plan status and risk assessment details are currently unavailable, the structure's overall design and maintenance reflect a commitment to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the area.
Despite its age, Mathew James #1 continues to serve as a vital infrastructure for water supply and irrigation purposes in the Powder River basin. As a key component of the local water management system, this dam underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and regulatory oversight to safeguard both the environment and the community against potential hazards. With its historical significance and functional relevance, Mathew James #1 stands as a testament to the enduring value of water resources in sustaining agricultural livelihoods and ecological balance in Montana.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
GYP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
5.8 |
Nid Storage |
263 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Mathew James #1