Lazy Jd #12 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lazy Jd #12 is a privately owned earth dam located in Montana's Phillips County, specifically on TR-FOURCHETTE CREEK.


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Summary

Built in 1959 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 350 feet, Lazy Jd #12 has a normal storage capacity of 46 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Lazy Jd #12 is regulated and inspected by the state of Montana through the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The dam has a spillway width of 90 feet and a maximum discharge of 450 cfs, ensuring proper water management during times of excess flow. Due to its critical role in water resource management, Lazy Jd #12 is designed to meet state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lazy Jd #12 serves as a vital infrastructure for fire protection, livestock, and aquatic life support. Its location, design, and management reflect a commitment to sustainable water resource utilization and environmental stewardship. As one of the many structures contributing to Montana's water infrastructure, Lazy Jd #12 highlights the importance of proper dam construction, regulation, and maintenance in ensuring a resilient and reliable water supply for the community.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-FOURCHETTE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

0.94

Nid Storage

75

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.