Sportman Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Sportman Dam, located in Richland County, Montana, was completed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock water supply, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet with a length of 200 feet, creating a storage capacity of 107 acre-feet. Situated on Brorson Creek, the dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Sportman Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. The uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 100 feet, can handle a maximum discharge of 1000 cubic feet per second, providing flood protection to the surrounding area. The dam's location in a rural setting near Sidney underscores its importance in supporting agricultural activities and enhancing water availability for livestock and wildlife.
As water resources and climate enthusiasts, understanding the infrastructure and management of dams like Sportman Dam is vital for ensuring sustainable water use and ecosystem health. By recognizing the multi-faceted purposes of these structures and the agencies responsible for their oversight, we can work towards effective water resource management and climate adaptation strategies in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
BRORSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
10.92 |
Nid Storage |
107 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Sportman Dam