Pants Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cactus Peet Creek Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Pants is a privately owned earth dam located in Beaverhead, Montana, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock water, and a small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1952, this low-hazard potential structure has a height of 10 feet and a length of 250 feet, with a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet. Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Pants is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations.
Situated on Bean Creek, Pants serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area, offering storage for various purposes including fire protection and livestock watering. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition, and its emergency action plan status is unknown. With its location in a congressional district represented by Greg Gianforte, Pants plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in Montana.
As a key feature in the Walla Walla District managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Pants provides valuable water storage and management capabilities for the local community. With a history dating back to the early 1950s, this earth dam continues to play a vital role in supporting fire protection, livestock, and recreational activities in the region. By adhering to state regulations and undergoing regular inspections, Pants demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of its water storage infrastructure for the benefit of both humans and wildlife in Montana's Beaverhead County.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
BEAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
62 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Pants
Bear Creek