Buffalo Hill Reservoir Report
Nearby: Claribell #6 Hays
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Buffalo Hill in Garfield, Montana, is a privately owned irrigation dam on Woody Creek that was completed in 1936.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 103 acre-feet, with a primary purpose of providing water for irrigation. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations.
Located in Congressional District 00, Montana, Buffalo Hill poses a significant hazard potential due to its age and condition being currently rated as "Not Rated." While the dam has not been assessed for risk management measures and emergency preparedness, it serves as a critical infrastructure for agricultural activities in the region. The dam's maintenance and monitoring are essential to prevent any potential risks to downstream communities and ensure the sustainable use of water resources in the area.
Buffalo Hill's historical significance as an early 20th-century irrigation structure highlights the importance of balancing water management with environmental conservation and safety measures. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure resilience, ongoing monitoring and maintenance of dams like Buffalo Hill are crucial to adapt to changing conditions and protect both human and natural ecosystems in the region.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
275 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WOODY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
103 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
20 |
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 |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
4cfs |
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.
Buffalo Hill