Rafferty #3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rafferty #2 Rafferty #4
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Rafferty #3 is a privately owned dam located in Custer County, Montana, specifically in the city of MIZPAH.
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Summary
Completed in 1939, this Earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With a normal storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a total storage of 101 acre-feet, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Rafferty #3 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. Situated on TR-SPRING CREEK, this dam falls under the jurisdiction of Congressional District 00 in Montana, represented by Greg Gianforte. While lacking detailed information on its current condition assessment, emergency action plan, and risk management measures, Rafferty #3 remains a crucial water resource for the local community and ecosystem, highlighting the importance of sustainable dam management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
435 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SPRING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
101 |
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.
Rafferty #3