Gildford Colony #1000 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Gildford Colony #1000 is a state-regulated dam located in Hill, Montana, near the city of Havre.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at 20 feet in height and has a storage capacity of 211 acre-feet, primarily serving the purposes of fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. Situated on Ninemile Coulee, the dam is owned by the state of Montana and falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).

With a low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated," Gildford Colony #1000 plays a critical role in water resource management in the region. Although lacking recent inspection data and emergency preparedness assessments, the dam's primary focus remains on providing essential services to the local community while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. As a key infrastructure for fire protection and livestock management, this dam serves as a vital resource for the surrounding area.

Despite its relatively modest size and capacity, Gildford Colony #1000 highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for multiple purposes, including environmental conservation and emergency response readiness. As climate change continues to impact water resources and ecosystems, the role of such structures becomes increasingly significant in ensuring sustainable water management practices. By staying abreast of regulatory requirements and potential risks, Gildford Colony #1000 exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the state of Montana.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

NINEMILE COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

211

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.