Private Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Private Reservoir, located in Phillips, Montana, is a privately owned water source designed by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1935, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 750 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 171 acre-feet. Situated on Trine Creek, this reservoir serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area, with a low hazard potential and state-regulated status.

Maintained by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Private Reservoir is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. With a maximum discharge of 500 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 100 feet, this reservoir plays a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. Despite being in operation for nearly a century, its condition remains unrated, highlighting the need for ongoing assessment and monitoring to ensure its continued functionality.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Private Reservoir offers a fascinating case study in private water infrastructure management and the intersection of regulatory oversight and environmental stewardship. As a key component of the local ecosystem, this reservoir serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water practices and the need for ongoing investment in infrastructure to meet the challenges of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TRINE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

2.46

Nid Storage

171

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.