North Fork Red Lodge Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Fork Red Lodge Reservoir, located in Carbon County, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1920 for the primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

The reservoir has a dam height of 18 feet and a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 46 acre-feet. It is situated on the North Fork Dry Creek, in close proximity to the city of Golden, and is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

This reservoir plays a crucial role in ensuring water supply for the surrounding area, with a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated. The dam structure has not been modified in recent years and has not undergone any recent inspections. While the emergency action plan status and risk assessment for the reservoir are currently unknown, the reservoir continues to provide essential water resources for the region.

North Fork Red Lodge Reservoir serves as a vital water storage facility in the region, maintaining a stable water supply for local communities. Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate-related topics would find this reservoir's historical significance and operational details intriguing, as it continues to support the water needs of the area despite its age and lack of recent maintenance or inspections.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-NORTH FORK DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

98

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.