Higgins Brothers #1 is a privately owned irrigation dam located on Sixteenmile Creek in Ringling, Montana.
Wind
Humidity
Designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1936, this earth dam stands at 15 feet high with a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a length of 900 feet. With a storage capacity of 860 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 408 acre-feet, the dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation in the area.
Despite being regulated by the DNRC and meeting state inspection and enforcement requirements, Higgins Brothers #1 is classified as having low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The last known inspection of the dam took place in May 1979. Although not operated by a federal agency, the dam has been maintained for over 80 years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality for agricultural water supply in the region.
Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate impact in Montana may find Higgins Brothers #1 to be a fascinating case study of a historic irrigation dam that continues to play a vital role in sustaining local agriculture. As a key piece of infrastructure on Sixteenmile Creek, this dam showcases the importance of proper design, maintenance, and regulation to ensure the safety and reliability of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
SIXTEENMILE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
100 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
860 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |