Christensen #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Christensen #2 Pratt
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Christensen #1 is a private earth dam located in Poplar, Montana, designed by USDA NRCS and regulated by the DNRC.
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Summary
Built in 1964 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes, the dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-West Fork Poplar River, the dam serves its low hazard potential with a spillway width of 50 feet and a maximum discharge of 250 cfs, ensuring safety in case of emergencies.
The dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, and it has not undergone recent inspections or maintenance updates. Despite this, its low hazard potential and remote location in a sparsely populated area contribute to its overall risk management measures. As a critical resource for water storage and fire protection in the region, Christensen #1 highlights the importance of maintaining infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to ensure long-term sustainability and safety for surrounding communities.
With Congressman Greg Gianforte representing the area in Congressional District 00, Montana, Christensen #1 serves as a vital structure that showcases the collaboration between federal agencies like the USDA NRCS and state regulators like the DNRC. Understanding the dam's purpose, design, and regulatory oversight provides valuable insights for enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in rural Montana.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WEST FORK POPLAR RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
2.34 |
Nid Storage |
105 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Christensen #1