Dawson Ranch #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Willow Belt Pirate Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Dawson Ranch #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Armington, Cascade County, Montana.
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Summary
The dam was completed in 1948 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Big Otter Creek. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 250 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.19 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently rated as "Not Rated," indicating a need for further evaluation.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Dawson Ranch #1 is subject to state regulations and inspections for its maintenance and enforcement. The dam has not been modified in recent years, and its emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures are not currently available. As a key infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting downstream communities and ecosystems from potential water-related disasters.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management of dams and the impact of infrastructure on water systems will find Dawson Ranch #1 to be an intriguing case study. The dam's location in a rural area of Montana, along with its historical significance and design by the USDA NRCS, offer valuable insights into the intersection of water resources, climate resilience, and private ownership of critical infrastructure. Further research and monitoring of Dawson Ranch #1's condition and operational status could provide valuable lessons for sustainable water management practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG OTTER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
1.19 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Belt Creek Near Monarch Mt
|
14cfs |
Missouri River Near Great Falls Mt
|
3530cfs |
Missouri River Near Ulm Mt
|
3160cfs |
Smith River Near Eden Mt
|
119cfs |
Missouri River At Fort Benton Mt
|
4720cfs |
Sun River Near Vaughn Mt
|
2680cfs |
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.
Dawson Ranch #1