Willough Reservoir Report
Nearby: Waters Dam #1 Waters #5
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Willough is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Poplar, Montana, along the TR-Redwater River.
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Summary
Constructed in 1952 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 1000 feet, providing a storage capacity of 283 acre-feet for irrigation purposes. The dam is regulated by the DNRC and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality.
Despite its low hazard potential, Willough plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, serving as a key infrastructure for irrigation in McCone County. The dam's primary purpose is to support agricultural activities by providing water storage for farmers in the area. With a normal storage capacity of 164 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.34 square miles, Willough contributes to the sustainable use of water resources in the region.
While the dam's condition assessment is currently labeled as "Not Rated," its compliance with state regulations and inspection requirements underscores its importance in ensuring water security and climate resilience in the area. With its efficient design and operational framework, Willough stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners and government agencies in managing water resources for agricultural and environmental sustainability.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REDWATER RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
2.34 |
Nid Storage |
283 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Willough