Clem Reservoir Report

Nearby: Gus Bank Dam

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Clem, located in Poplar, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1944 by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at 12 feet tall with a length of 200 feet and has a storage capacity of 239 acre-feet. It is regulated by the DNRC and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

The dam, situated on TR-East Redwater Creek, has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk rating. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 70 feet and a maximum discharge of 700 cubic feet per second. While the condition of Clem has not been formally assessed, it is not currently rated. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its intended purposes effectively and is a vital resource for water storage in the Richland County area.

With its strategic location and crucial role in water resource management, Clem serves as a valuable asset for maintaining water supply, fire protection, and aquatic habitat in the region. Its design by the USDA NRCS reflects a commitment to sustainable water management practices, ensuring the dam's continued functionality and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions. As a key element in the local water infrastructure, Clem exemplifies the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance to safeguard against potential risks and ensure the long-term viability of water resources in Montana.

Year Completed

1944

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR-EAST REDWATER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

8.55

Nid Storage

239

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.