Manuel #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Manuel #2 Sandman #1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Manuel #1 is a privately owned dam located in Petroleum County, Montana, along the TR-CAT CREEK.
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Summary
Designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1949, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 1980 feet, providing fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes. With a storage capacity of 402 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.34 square miles, Manuel #1 is regulated by the DNRC and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, Manuel #1 has not been inspected recently, and its emergency action plan status remains unknown. The dam's spillway width of 150 feet suggests a capacity to handle potential excess water, but further risk assessments and management measures are lacking. The absence of inundation maps, updated emergency contacts, and compliance with EAP guidelines raise concerns over the dam's preparedness for potential emergencies, highlighting the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in preserving the integrity of this structure.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
1980 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CAT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
2.34 |
Nid Storage |
402 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Manuel #1