L Pawlowski #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pawlowski Reservoir Wheatley Farms #2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
L Pawlowski #1 is a private irrigation dam located in Circle, Montana, on the Horse Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1950 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet, the dam serves the purpose of irrigation in the region, covering a drainage area of 48 square miles.
Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with state jurisdiction and permitting in place. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," L Pawlowski #1 has not been inspected in recent years, and emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) are currently not in place. However, the dam has a spillway width of 100 feet and a maximum discharge of 1000 cubic feet per second, ensuring proper water management in case of overflow.
Despite its age, L Pawlowski #1 remains a vital infrastructure for irrigation in the region, providing water for agricultural purposes. The dam's location in McCone County, Montana, and its association with the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers ensure that it plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and functional importance of this earth dam in maintaining water supply for irrigation activities in the region.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
HORSE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
7 |
Drainage Area |
48 |
Nid Storage |
105 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
1cfs |
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Missouri River Near Wolf Point Mt
|
5020cfs |
Milk River At Nashua Mt
|
233cfs |
Poplar River Near Poplar Mt
|
28cfs |
Yellowstone River At Glendive Mt
|
6000cfs |
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.
L Pawlowski #1