Built in 1972 by the USDA NRCS, this dam primarily serves the purpose of irrigation, with a storage capacity of 76 acre-feet and a surface area of 8 acres. The dam stands at a height of 18 feet and stretches out to a length of 610 feet, holding back Thiel Creek and regulating its flow.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources Conservation (DNRC), Thiellis is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for condition, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region. The surrounding area, situated in Carbon County, Montana, benefits from the water resources managed by Thiellis for irrigation purposes.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Thiellis to be a fascinating example of human intervention in water management. With its modest size and purpose-driven design, this earth dam showcases the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in supporting agricultural activities and managing water resources effectively. As a part of the larger network of dams in Montana, Thiellis contributes to the overall water management efforts in the state, highlighting the intersection of human activity and environmental stewardship in ensuring water availability for future generations.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
610 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
THIEL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
0.47 |
Nid Storage |
76 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Basin Campground
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Tent Camp Site
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Sheridan Campground
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Jimmy Joe Campground
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Rattin Campground
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Rattine Campground
|
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Custer Forest Boundary, Sec. 1, T7S, S16E To Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Boundary
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