Lyle Nelson #5 is a private-owned dam located in McCone, Montana, along the TR-South Fork Rock Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1949 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a length of 300 feet, with a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. It serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.
Although the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for condition assessment, it is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). With state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, this structure is closely monitored to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam also features spillway width of 60 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 600 cubic feet per second.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lyle Nelson #5 presents an intriguing case study of a historic dam in Montana that continues to play a vital role in water management and conservation efforts. With its unique location and purpose, this dam exemplifies the intersection of human infrastructure with natural ecosystems, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH FORK ROCK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
0.16 |
Nid Storage |
58 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Milk River At Nashua Mt
|
233cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
4cfs |
Missouri River Near Wolf Point Mt
|
5020cfs |
Milk River At Tampico Mt
|
123cfs |
Poplar River Near Poplar Mt
|
28cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Rock Creek FAS
|
||
McGuire Creek - Lake Fort Peck
|
||
Nelson Creek - Fort Peck Lake
|