Burgess #1 (Garfield) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Burgess #2 Green Coulee Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Burgess #1 (Garfield) is a private irrigation dam located in Garfield, Montana, along the TR-Flat Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1956 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 200 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 137 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the state agency DNRC and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its low hazard potential and not being currently rated for condition assessment, Burgess #1 plays a crucial role in providing irrigation water for agricultural purposes in the area. Its location within the Omaha District and under the jurisdiction of Montana signifies its importance in water resource management. With a maximum discharge capacity of 200 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 40 feet, the dam is designed to efficiently manage water flow and storage for the surrounding area.
With its primary purpose geared towards irrigation, Burgess #1 (Garfield) serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Garfield, Montana. As a privately owned structure, it highlights the collaborative efforts between private entities and government agencies in ensuring sustainable water usage and management in the region. Climate and water enthusiasts will find this dam's history, design, and regulatory framework intriguing as it embodies the intersection of human engineering and natural resource conservation.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-FLAT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
1.86 |
Nid Storage |
137 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Milk River At Nashua Mt
|
233cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
4cfs |
Milk River At Tampico Mt
|
123cfs |
Missouri River Near Wolf Point Mt
|
5020cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Burgess #1 (Garfield)