David Drum #3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Situated in Phillips County, Montana, the David Drum #3, also known as American Prairie Reserve Pond #2, serves as a crucial irrigation infrastructure with a primary purpose to support agricultural activities in the region.
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Summary
Constructed in 1950 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 189 acre-feet. Located along Beaver Creek, this structure plays a vital role in managing water resources for the surrounding area.
Owned privately, this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). It has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition assessment. With a maximum discharge capacity of 6600 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 1320 feet, the David Drum #3 dam ensures the efficient management of water flow and storage for the benefit of local agricultural activities. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the area can appreciate the significant role this structure plays in sustaining agricultural practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
BEAVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
181.56 |
Nid Storage |
189 |
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.
David Drum #3