O J Rindal Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

O J Rindal is a privately owned earth dam located in Fergus County, Montana, near the city of Mosby.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 350 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 30 acre-feet.

Situated on TR-Box Elder Creek, the O J Rindal dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as 'Not Rated' in terms of condition assessment. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) for regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone any significant modifications over the years, and its emergency action plan (EAP) status is currently unknown.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the O J Rindal dam presents an interesting case study in private dam ownership and management. Its multiple purposes, low hazard potential, and location within a rural setting make it a valuable asset for the local community in terms of water resource management and emergency preparedness. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, dams like O J Rindal play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-BOX ELDER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

80

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.