Gordan Lightfoot Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Gordan Lightfoot is a privately owned earth dam located in Fairfield, Montana, on the TR-Sun River.


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Summary

Built in 1972, its primary purposes are fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. The dam stands at 25 feet high with a length of 250 feet, providing a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet. Situated in Teton County, Montana, this low hazard potential structure is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with state jurisdiction and permitting in place.

The dam has not been inspected recently and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite its low hazard potential, its emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are not specified in the available data. The dam's location in a primarily agricultural area underscores its importance for fire protection and water storage for livestock and small fish habitats.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Gordan Lightfoot an intriguing structure, serving multiple purposes in a rural setting. Its connection to the TR-Sun River and its vital role in local water management make it a noteworthy feature in Montana's water infrastructure landscape. As efforts continue to monitor and maintain dams like Gordan Lightfoot, ensuring their safety and functionality remains imperative for sustainable water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-SUN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

140

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.