Grove Gulch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Grove Gulch is a private dam located in Butte, Montana, designed for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 340 feet, providing a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Grove Gulch Creek, is under the jurisdiction of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state.

Despite its low hazard potential, Grove Gulch serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area, with a primary focus on fire protection and livestock use. With a normal storage capacity of 16 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 88 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water availability for various purposes. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, its operational status and regulatory compliance ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.

Managed by a private entity and located in Silver Bow County, Grove Gulch showcases the importance of small-scale dams in supporting local water needs. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Grove Gulch are essential for ensuring the resilience and reliability of water resources in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

340

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

GROVE GULCH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

88

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.