French #17 Reservoir Report
Nearby: French #16 French #15
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
French #17 is a privately owned dam located in Kinsey, Montana, on the TR-Coal Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1953, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a height of 15 feet and a length of 475 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 34 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
Situated in Rosebud County, French #17 is managed by private owners and falls under state jurisdiction. The dam's primary source agency is the state of Montana, with no federal agency involvement in its ownership, funding, design, construction, regulation, inspection, or operation. The dam's condition assessment is currently unrated, with no emergency action plan in place and no recent inspection or risk assessment data available. Despite these gaps, the dam's low hazard potential suggests a relatively low risk of failure, making it a noteworthy structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor in the future.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
475 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COAL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
66 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
French #17