Christensen (Richland) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sturgis Sidney Sewage Lagoon
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Christensen (Richland) is a privately owned earth dam located in Sidney, Montana, along the TR-Yellowstone River.
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Summary
Built in 1970 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction, with a structural height of 38 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 76 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, making it a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the area.
Managed by the DNRC and inspected regularly, Christensen (Richland) has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a drainage area of 0.47 square miles. Despite being classified as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the dam continues to play a significant role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events. With its location in a region susceptible to climate change impacts, the importance of maintaining and monitoring this dam for water resource management cannot be understated.
As a key structure in the flood risk reduction system along the TR-Yellowstone River, Christensen (Richland) serves as a vital piece of infrastructure in safeguarding the local community from potential water-related disasters. With its historical significance and ongoing role in water resource management, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive measures in addressing climate change and ensuring sustainable water management practices for future generations.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-YELLOWSTONE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
0.47 |
Nid Storage |
76 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
38 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Christensen (Richland)