K And L Mcdowell #5 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
K and L Mcdowell #5 is a privately owned earth dam located in Carter, Montana, near the city of Camp Crook, South Dakota.
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Summary
Completed in 1940, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond creation. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 660 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 41 acre-feet. The main purpose of K and L Mcdowell #5 is to provide essential water resources for local fire protection and livestock needs.
Situated on the TR-North Fork Willow Creek, this dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations. With a hazard potential rated as low and a condition assessment marked as "Not Rated", K and L Mcdowell #5 remains a reliable water resource infrastructure in the region. Although the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, it meets all state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements to ensure its safe operation.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, K and L Mcdowell #5 offers a fascinating case study of a historic earth dam that continues to play a vital role in the local ecosystem. As a key component of the water management infrastructure in the area, this dam provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable water resource management in rural Montana. With its low hazard potential and solid regulatory oversight, K and L Mcdowell #5 exemplifies the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical water infrastructure for the benefit of both human and environmental needs.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
660 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NORTH FORK WILLOW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
74 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
K And L Mcdowell #5