Sweet Carolyn Reservoir Report
Nearby: Glasgow Sewage Lagoon Chapman Dam
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Sweet Carolyn, a privately owned earth dam located in Valley County, Montana, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
Constructed in 1958 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a storage capacity of 223 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Milk River, Sweet Carolyn plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Managed by the DNRC and regulated by the state of Montana, Sweet Carolyn is classified as having a significant hazard potential. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam continues to provide essential services to the local community. With a spillway width of 300 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1500 cubic feet per second, Sweet Carolyn is designed to withstand potential emergencies and ensure the safety of downstream areas.
As a key infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience, Sweet Carolyn exemplifies the importance of sustainable dam operations. With its strategic location and multiple benefits for both humans and wildlife, this dam represents a vital link in the network of water infrastructure in Montana. Its history, design, and regulatory framework highlight the intricate balance between water resource development and environmental stewardship in the region.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MILK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
1.65 |
Nid Storage |
223 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Sweet Carolyn