Bonanza dam
Bonanza
Located in Martinsdale, Montana, the Bonanza dam stands as a vital structure along the Bonanza Creek, serving the purpose of irrigation since its completion in 1938. With a dam height of 44 feet and a storage capacity of 409 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region. Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), the dam is regulated and monitored to ensure its safety and functionality for the community it serves.
The Bonanza dam's significant hazard potential and moderate risk assessment highlight the importance of proper management and maintenance to prevent any potential emergencies. Despite being classified as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the dam's construction and operation are regulated by the state, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and earth dam type further emphasize the need for vigilance and preparedness in managing water resources and climate-related risks in the area.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in Montana will find the Bonanza dam an intriguing subject, with its historical significance, hydraulic capabilities, and regulatory framework providing valuable insights into the intersection of human infrastructure and natural elements. As a key player in the irrigation system of the region, the dam's role in water management and agricultural sustainability underscores the importance of balanced resource utilization and risk management in the face of changing environmental conditions.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Bonanza -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Fork Musselshell R Ab Martinsdale Mt | 43 cfs | → |
| Musselshell River Nr Martinsdale | 169 cfs | → |
| Musselshell River At Harlowton Mt | 214 cfs | → |
| Smith River Near Ft Logan Mt | 201 cfs | → |
| Smith River Bl Eagle Cr Nr Fort Logan Mt | 383 cfs | → |
| Missouri River At Toston Mt | 5,260 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Bonanza.
Campgrounds
- Richardson Campground
- Grasshopper
- Grasshopper Campground
- Martinsdale Reservoir Fas
- Daisy Dean Camp
- Daisy Dean Camp Campground
Fishing spots
- Flagstaff Reservoir
- Indian Creek
- Bair Reservoir
- North Fork Musselshell River
- North Fork Smith River
- Newlan Creek
Track Bonanza in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Bonanza
Where does the data for Bonanza come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Bonanza.