Douglas Creek Tailings Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Douglas Creek Tailings Dam in Granite County, Montana is a privately owned structure regulated by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.


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Summary

This offstream dam, primarily used for tailings storage, stands at a height of 60 feet with a hydraulic height of 52 feet, providing a storage capacity of 240 acre-feet. Located at coordinates 46.5239 latitude and -113.1823 longitude, this earth dam presents a significant hazard potential with a condition assessment that is currently not rated.

Despite lacking specific details on the dam's construction year and last inspection date, it is noteworthy that the Douglas Creek Tailings Dam adheres to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols. With a respected structural height of 60 feet and a normal storage capacity of 166 acre-feet, this dam serves a crucial function in tailings management. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the unique characteristics and regulatory oversight of this dam fascinating, making it a notable feature in Montana's water infrastructure landscape.

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

52

Nid Storage

240

Structural Height

60

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

60
       
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.