Pettersen #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Pettersen #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Dawson, Montana, specifically in the city of Intake along the TR-Deer Creek river.


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Summary

Built in 1950 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. It has a height of 20 feet, a length of 300 feet, and a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 37 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes regular inspections.

Situated within Congressional District 00 of Montana, Pettersen #1 is designed to withstand the hydraulic demands of the surrounding area, with a spillway width of 30 feet. The dam's location and design make it an essential water resource for the community, ensuring adequate water supply for firefighting and livestock needs. While its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are yet to be determined. As a crucial element in the local water infrastructure, Pettersen #1 highlights the importance of proper dam maintenance and regulation to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-DEER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.47

Nid Storage

72

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.