Buxbaum #2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Folkoord Olson (Richland)
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Buxbaum #2, located in Richland County, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1949 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam, managed by the DNRC, stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 164 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 97 acre-feet. Situated on TR-O'Brien Creek, the dam serves as a critical resource for water management in the area, with a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment.
Managed by the USDA NRCS, Buxbaum #2 is designed to withstand potential risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities. With a spillway width of 30 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 300 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped to handle excess water flow during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam's risk management measures and state-regulated inspection, permitting, and enforcement protocols contribute to its overall safety and resilience.
The presence of Buxbaum #2 in Congressional District 00, Montana, highlights the importance of sustainable water resource management in mitigating climate-related challenges. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of dams like Buxbaum #2 in maintaining water security and environmental resilience is crucial for protecting communities and ecosystems in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-O'BRIEN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
1.02 |
Nid Storage |
164 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Buxbaum #2