Burgess Reservoir (Garfield) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Burgess #2 Burgess #1 (Garfield)
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Burgess Reservoir in Garfield, Montana, is a privately owned irrigation reservoir designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the DNRC.
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Summary
Completed in 1958, this earth dam structure stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 356 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 232 acre-feet. The reservoir is located on Woody Creek, with a drainage area of 3.59 square miles and a maximum discharge of 500 cubic feet per second.
With a low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated," Burgess Reservoir serves as a vital water resource for irrigation purposes in the region. It is situated in a picturesque location in Garfield County, Montana, providing essential water storage for agricultural activities in the area. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the reservoir continues to play a significant role in water management and conservation efforts in the region.
Managed by private owners, Burgess Reservoir is an important asset for water resource management in Montana. While lacking detailed inspection and risk assessment data, the reservoir's structure and design by the NRCS ensure its functionality and reliability for irrigation purposes. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Burgess Reservoir contributes to sustainable water use and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WOODY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
3.59 |
Nid Storage |
356 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
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 Reservoir (Garfield)