Butcher Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Butcher is a private dam located in Lewistown, Montana, on the TR-Big Spring Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet, primarily serving purposes such as fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Owned privately, Butcher has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have a designated emergency action plan or inundation maps, it remains an important structure for water resource management in the area. With its location in Fergus County, Montana, and under the jurisdiction of the state, Butcher contributes to the local ecosystem and supports various water-related activities in the region.
This dam, affiliated with the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, plays a vital role in maintaining water resources for the community. Despite its low hazard potential, Butcher continues to provide essential services for fire protection, livestock, and recreational purposes. As a key feature in the landscape of Lewistown, Montana, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate considerations in the region.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG SPRING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
68 |
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.
Butcher