Groh #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Circle, Montana, Groh #1 is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock water, and a small fish pond.


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Summary

Built in 1954 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Groh #1 is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality.

Situated on TR-Horse Creek, Groh #1 serves as a vital resource for water storage and management in the area, with a drainage area of 1.16 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 1000 cubic feet per second. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet, providing necessary flood control measures in case of emergencies. While the condition of Groh #1 is currently rated as "Not Rated," the dam has not undergone recent inspection or assessment updates, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance efforts to ensure its long-term sustainability and effectiveness in serving the local community.

As a key component of water resource management in McCone County, Montana, Groh #1 plays a crucial role in providing essential services for fire protection, livestock, and recreational activities. With its historical significance dating back to the 1950s, this earth dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in mitigating climate and water-related challenges. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of dams like Groh #1 in maintaining ecological balance and supporting local communities is essential for promoting responsible stewardship of our natural resources.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

TR-HORSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

1.16

Nid Storage

53

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

35
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.