Adams #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Adams #3, located in Rosebud, Montana, is a private earth dam built in 1952 by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

With a dam height of 17 feet and a length of 300 feet, it has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1.41 acres. Situated on the Fast Fork Horse Creek, this structure is regulated by the DNRC and falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Montana.

Despite being labeled with a low hazard potential, Adams #3 is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam has not been rated for its condition, and there is no current assessment available. However, the structure meets state regulatory requirements for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Although no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared or updated for this dam, it is important for stakeholders and local authorities to stay informed about the risk management measures in place for potential emergencies.

In the event of any modifications or improvements to Adams #3, it is essential that all stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam. With its strategic location for fire protection and water resource management, Adams #3 plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and should be monitored and maintained regularly to prevent any potential risks or hazards.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

FAST FORK HORSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.41

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

70

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.