Dry Fields Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dry Fields is a state-regulated irrigation dam located in Wisdom, Montana, along the Dry Gulch river stream.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 269 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 92 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Dry Fields is for irrigation, serving the agricultural needs of the surrounding area.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Dry Fields has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. With state jurisdiction and enforcement in place, the dam undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement. The surrounding area is monitored for potential risks, although specific risk assessment measures and emergency action plans are not currently detailed for the site.

Overall, Dry Fields provides vital water resources for the local community, supporting agricultural activities in Beaverhead County, Montana. With its strategic location and regulated maintenance, this earth dam ensures a reliable water supply for irrigation purposes, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

DRY GULCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

269

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.