Fifty Dollar Bill Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Fifty Dollar Bill dam in Montana, also known as the Fifty Dollar Bill Reservoir, was completed in 1960 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond habitat.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Situated on Mud Creek in the city of Twodot, this earth dam stands at 20 feet in height and stretches 500 feet in length. Owned by the state and regulated by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), the dam has a normal storage capacity of 143 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 278 acre-feet.

With a significant hazard potential, the Fifty Dollar Bill dam has not been rated in terms of its condition assessment. While it has not undergone a recent inspection since September 2006, the state of Montana has systems in place for permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam. The dam is located in Meagher County and falls under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency, indicating a commitment to maintaining water resources and climate resilience in the region.

As a key asset for water resource management in the area, the Fifty Dollar Bill dam plays a crucial role in providing essential services for the community, including water storage and irrigation. With its strategic location and state ownership, the dam represents a vital infrastructure investment that contributes to the overall water security and climate adaptation efforts in Montana. Efforts to monitor and maintain the dam's safety and functionality will be essential in ensuring its continued effectiveness in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

MUD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

278

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.