Olson (Garfield) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Adidias Big Bucks #14
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Olson (Garfield) is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Garfield, Montana, specifically in the city of Van Norman.
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Summary
Built in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a length of 550 feet. It serves the primary purpose of irrigation, with a storage capacity of 303 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.31 square miles along the TR-White Horse Creek.
Although Olson (Garfield) is categorized as a low hazard potential structure, it remains under state regulation and inspection by the DNRC. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and its emergency preparedness plans, including the existence of inundation maps and risk assessments, are currently unavailable. With its maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second, Olson (Garfield) plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and supporting agricultural activities in the surrounding area.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WHITE HORSE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
0.31 |
Nid Storage |
303 |
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 |
Milk River At Tampico Mt
|
123cfs |
Musselshell River At Mosby Mt
|
240cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
1cfs |
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.
Olson (Garfield)