Knowlton dam
Knowlton
Knowlton, also known as Ringy Dingy, is a state-owned dam located in Bynum, Montana, along Rinker Creek. Built in 1910 for irrigation purposes, this earth dam stands at 12 feet high with a storage capacity of 166 acre-feet. Despite its age, Knowlton has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, with regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.
Situated in Teton County, Montana, Knowlton plays a crucial role in providing water for agricultural purposes in the region. With a maximum storage capacity of 166 acre-feet and a hydraulic height of 8 feet, this dam helps manage water resources for the surrounding area. Although it has not undergone any significant modifications in recent years, the dam continues to serve its intended purpose effectively, contributing to the irrigation needs of the local community.
Knowlton's location in Congressional District 00, Montana, highlights its importance in water resource management within the state. As a state-regulated structure with oversight from the DNRC, this dam ensures the sustainable use of water from Rinker Creek for irrigation purposes. With its historical significance and ongoing role in supporting agricultural activities, Knowlton stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and appreciate in the context of Montana's water management efforts.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Knowlton -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Teton River Bl South Fork Nr Choteau Mt | 274 cfs | → |
| Sun River Bl Diversion Dam Nr Augusta Mt | 550 cfs | → |
| North Fork Sun River Near Augusta Mt | 621 cfs | → |
| South Fork Sun River Near Augusta Mt | 503 cfs | → |
| Badger Cr Bl Four Horns Canal Nr Browning Mt | 377 cfs | → |
| Sun River Bl Willow Cr Nr Augusta Mt | 535 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Knowlton.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Knowlton
Where does the data for Knowlton come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.