Rafferty #2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rafferty #3 L Krutzfeldt #2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Rafferty #2 is a private water structure located in Custer, Montana, along Spring Creek.
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Summary
It was completed in 1955 and serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. The dam is an earth-type structure with a height of 15 feet and a length of 500 feet, providing a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," indicating a need for further evaluation.
The state of Montana regulates Rafferty #2, with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's location in Mizpah, within Congressional District 00, is represented by Greg Gianforte (R). While the dam has not been inspected recently and lacks an official condition rating, its emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment details are also missing. It is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and advocate for the proper maintenance and assessment of Rafferty #2 to ensure its continued safety and functionality for the surrounding community.
With its strategic placement along Spring Creek and significant storage capacity, Rafferty #2 plays a vital role in providing essential water resources for fire protection, agricultural purposes, and wildlife habitat management. The dam's historical construction and continued service highlight the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging water infrastructure to mitigate potential risks and ensure long-term sustainability. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is imperative to stay informed about the status of Rafferty #2 and advocate for comprehensive assessments and improvements to safeguard this critical water management structure for future generations.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
SPRING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
77 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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 #2