Petersen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Black Out Katy's Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Petersen Dam in Montana, completed in 1939, stands as a testament to the state's commitment to water resource management.
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Summary
The earth dam, with a height of 14 feet and a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet, is regulated by the state agency DNRC. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
With a spillway width of 150 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, Petersen Dam is equipped to handle potential overflow and maintain normal storage levels. The dam's emergency action plan status is not currently rated, but the risk assessment deems it to have a moderate level of risk. The dam's condition assessment remains unrated, suggesting ongoing evaluation and monitoring by authorities to address any potential concerns.
Located in Sheridan, Montana, Petersen Dam serves as a vital component of the state's water management infrastructure. While not federally owned or funded, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water levels and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, Petersen Dam stands as a key player in Montana's efforts to adapt and mitigate potential risks associated with changing hydrological patterns.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Height |
14 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
15 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Petersen Dam