Paddle Board Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Paddle Board is a privately owned irrigation dam located on Birch Creek in Chouteau, Montana.


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Summary

Built by the USDA NRCS in 1972, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 241 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the DNRC and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, Paddle Board plays a crucial role in providing irrigation water for agricultural purposes in the area. Its primary purpose is irrigation, and it is designed to store and regulate water flow in Birch Creek. With a maximum discharge capacity of 88 cubic feet per second, the dam helps in managing water resources in the region effectively.

Located in the city of Warrick, Paddle Board offers a serene setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to observe the intersection of human infrastructure with natural water systems. With its historical significance dating back to the early 1970s, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in supporting agriculture and local communities in Montana.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

BIRCH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

0.19

Nid Storage

241

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.