Spear #1 dam
Spear #1
Spear #1 is a private earth dam located in Powder River, Montana, along the TR-SHEEP CREEK. Built in 1954, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet. With a height of 15 feet and a length of 150 feet, Spear #1 has a low hazard potential and is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, but it undergoes regular inspections and is equipped with emergency action plans.
Situated in Congressional District 00 of Montana, Spear #1 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. The dam's primary owner is private, and it is not funded or managed by federal agencies. Despite its modest size, Spear #1 contributes to the overall water supply and ecosystem health in the area. With its strategic location and purposeful design, the dam provides essential services to local communities and wildlife, highlighting the importance of small-scale water infrastructure in sustaining the environment amidst changing climate patterns.
As an integral part of the local water infrastructure, Spear #1 serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners and state regulatory agencies in ensuring water security and safety. With its history dating back to the mid-20th century, the dam stands as a symbol of resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving environmental challenges. Its presence along TR-SHEEP CREEK not only supports fire protection and livestock needs but also contributes to the conservation of aquatic habitats, making it a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking sustainable solutions for water management in the region.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Spear #1 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Creek Near Miles City Mt | 0 cfs | → |
| Tongue R Bl Brandenberg Bridge Nr Ashland Mt | 139 cfs | → |
| Otter Creek At Ashland Mt | 3 cfs | → |
| Powder River At Moorhead Mt | 77 cfs | → |
| Powder River Near Locate Mt | 18 cfs | → |
| Little Powder River Ab Dry Creek | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Spear #1.
More reservoirs
Track Spear #1 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Spear #1
Where does the data for Spear #1 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Spear #1.