Johnson Reservoir

DEER CREEK· Dawson, Montana· Built 1937· Earth· 21 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Johnson Reservoir is classified as low hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 61.7% in MT)
Dam Length1,500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage351 acre-ft
Normal Storage208 acre-ft
Surface Area36 acres
Drainage Area18 sq mi
Year Completed1937 (89 years old)
NID IDMT00110

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 9, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DNRC

Ownership

STATE OF MONTANA, D.F.W.P.

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Johnson Reservoir?

Johnson Reservoir is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Johnson Reservoir?

Johnson Reservoir is owned by STATE OF MONTANA, D.F.W.P. (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Johnson Reservoir built?

Johnson Reservoir was completed in 1937, making it 89 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Johnson Reservoir?

Johnson Reservoir serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Johnson Reservoir?

Johnson Reservoir has a dam height of 21 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Johnson Reservoir last inspected?

Johnson Reservoir was last inspected on June 9, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.