Jack Of Spades Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Jack of Spades is a private earth dam located in Carter, Montana, near Lightning Flat.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1955 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes, this dam stands at a height of 10 feet and spans 50 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 202 acre-feet, it serves the local community along Thompson Creek. Despite its low hazard potential and the lack of a condition rating, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).

Situated in Congressional District 00, Montana, Jack of Spades is overseen by private owners and falls under state jurisdiction and permitting. This dam plays a crucial role in water resource management, providing essential services to the surrounding area. With a focus on fire protection and water storage, it contributes to the resilience of the local ecosystem and community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Jack of Spades play a vital role in adapting to and mitigating these challenges.

As a key feature in the Omaha District's landscape, Jack of Spades represents a legacy of water infrastructure in the region. While its exact condition and emergency preparedness are not rated, the dam's presence underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring water resources in the face of changing environmental conditions. With its historical significance and functional purpose, Jack of Spades stands as a symbol of human ingenuity and stewardship in managing water resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

50

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

TR-THOMPSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

202

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.