Hammer #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: George Rath #3 George Rath #2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hammer #1, located in Lavina, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1973 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 78 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Musselshell River, the dam serves as a crucial resource for water management in the region, with a drainage area of 0.78 square miles.
With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Hammer #1 is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The dam has state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safe operation and compliance with regulatory standards. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, Hammer #1 plays a vital role in providing water resources for firefighting, livestock, and recreational fishing activities in the area.
Owned and operated by a private entity, Hammer #1 is a key infrastructure for water resource management in Golden Valley County, Montana. With its strategic location on the TR-Musselshell River and its multiple purposes, including fire protection and stock water supply, the dam contributes significantly to the local ecosystem and economy. As a part of the state-regulated system, Hammer #1 underscores the importance of proper dam maintenance and management in ensuring water security and sustainability for the community.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MUSSELSHELL RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
0.78 |
Nid Storage |
126 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Hammer #1