Steffen Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Steffen is a private-owned earth dam located in Bloomfield, Montana, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, or a small fish pond.


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Summary

Built in 1936, this dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 71 acre-feet. Situated on the Center Fork Thirteenmile Creek, Steffen serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area, offering essential services while also contributing to the local ecosystem.

Despite its age, Steffen has been well-maintained and is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," this dam continues to play a vital role in water management in the region. While lacking certain features such as spillways and outlet gates, Steffen remains a reliable structure, ensuring the safety and sustainability of its operations for the community it serves.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the infrastructure and condition of dams like Steffen is essential for monitoring and managing water resources effectively. By recognizing the importance of maintaining and assessing the condition of such structures, we can ensure the safety of communities, ecosystems, and water supplies in the face of changing climatic conditions and increasing water demands. Steffen serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between human needs and environmental stewardship in water resource management.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

CENTER FORK THIRTEENMILECR.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

71

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.