Dishwater Reservoir Report

Nearby: Dreary Chuck

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Dishwater is a privately owned earth dam located in Zurich, Montana, along the TR-Fifteen Mile Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1950, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 113 acre-feet, Dishwater has a low hazard potential and is currently in a condition that has not been rated. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its simple design and low hazard potential, Dishwater plays a crucial role in providing water resources for firefighting, livestock, and recreational activities in the area. Located within Congressional District 00 of Montana, the dam is overseen by Representative Greg Gianforte (R) and falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. While the dam has not been rated for its condition, its consistent inspection and maintenance ensure that it continues to serve its primary purposes effectively and safely. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Dishwater as a vital piece of infrastructure contributing to the sustainable management of water in the region.

In conclusion, Dishwater is a noteworthy earth dam in Montana that serves various essential functions while maintaining a low hazard potential. Its proximity to TR-Fifteen Mile Creek and the town of Zurich underscores its importance in providing water resources for fire protection, stock, and recreational activities. Managed by the DNRC and regularly inspected to ensure compliance with state regulations, Dishwater stands as a testament to responsible water resource management and the critical role that dams play in supporting local communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-FIFTEEN MILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

113

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.