Upper Magpie Reservoir, located in Glendive, Montana, is a private water resource primarily used for fire protection, livestock, and as a small fish pond.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at 15 feet high and spans 600 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet. Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), the reservoir is state-regulated and regularly inspected for safety and compliance.
Situated along the TR-Magpie Creek, Upper Magpie Reservoir serves as a vital water source in Dawson County, Montana. With a low hazard potential, the dam has not yet been rated for its condition. While it currently meets guidelines for emergency action planning, there is room for improvement in risk assessment and management measures. Despite being a privately owned structure, the reservoir plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Upper Magpie Reservoir offers a glimpse into the intricate network of water infrastructure in rural Montana. From its modest beginnings as a fire protection reservoir to its present-day role in supporting local agriculture and wildlife, this earth dam serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices. As discussions around water scarcity and climate change continue to gain momentum, the Upper Magpie Reservoir stands as a reminder of the essential role that reservoirs play in safeguarding our precious water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MAGPIE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
110 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Yellowstone River At Glendive Mt
|
6000cfs |
Beaver Creek Nr Trotters
|
0cfs |
Powder River Near Locate Mt
|
231cfs |
Little Missouri River At Medora
|
64cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
1cfs |
Yellowstone River Near Sidney Mt
|
6130cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
RATTLESNAKE RESERVOIR
|
||
OIL PUMP RESERVOIR
|
||
Pine-on-the-Rock Campground
|
||
Makoshika State Park
|
||
Jaycee West City Park
|