Sluggett #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sluggett #2 Cottonwood
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sluggett #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Fergus County, Montana, near the city of Valentine.
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Summary
Built in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. Sitting on Blood Creek, the dam has a height of 14 feet and a length of 600 feet, providing a storage capacity of 724 acre-feet.
Managed by the Montana DNRC, Sluggett #1 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated. The dam has a spillway width of 200 feet and is located in Congressional District 00, represented by Greg Gianforte. The surrounding area does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place, and there is limited information available on the risk assessment and management measures for the dam.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Sluggett #1 an interesting structure due to its historical significance and multiple uses. With its location in a rural area of Montana and its role in providing essential services like fire protection and stock watering, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of water management in the region. As efforts to assess and improve the condition of the dam continue, there is a need for increased attention to emergency preparedness and risk mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and reliability of Sluggett #1 for the future.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
BLOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
724 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Missouri River Near Landusky Mt
|
9100cfs |
Musselshell River At Mosby Mt
|
12cfs |
Flatwillow Creek Near Mosby Mt
|
17cfs |
Judith River Nr Mouth
|
368cfs |
Musselshell River At Musselshell Mt
|
72cfs |
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.
Sluggett #1