Higgins Brothers #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Higgins Brothers #1 is a privately owned irrigation dam located on Sixteenmile Creek in Ringling, Montana.


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Summary

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
       
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.