Mcfarland-White Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mcfarland-White, also known as Mary's Dam, is a private earth dam located in Two Dot, Montana, on Crooked Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes with a storage capacity of 348 acre-feet. With a dam height of 35 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 770 cfs, Mcfarland-White plays a vital role in managing water resources in the area.

The dam, regulated by the Montana DNRC, has a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, and there are no records of recent inspections or maintenance activities. The spillway, of uncontrolled type, has a width of 75 feet to manage excess water flow effectively. With its location in a rural area, Mcfarland-White remains a crucial structure for water management in Wheatland County, Montana.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Mcfarland-White's history and design intriguing, showcasing the collaboration between private ownership and federal agencies for effective water management. As an earth dam with a unique spillway design, it stands as a testament to the importance of infrastructure in shaping Montana's water resources. With its moderate risk assessment and significant hazard potential, Mcfarland-White serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining and managing aging dams for the benefit of the community and the environment.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

530

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

CROOKED CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

6.32

Nid Storage

348

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

35
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.