Farleys #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Farleys #1 is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Rosebud County, Montana along Trail Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1940 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 20 feet high and spans 150 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet for agricultural use. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not currently rated for condition assessment, Farleys #1 serves a critical purpose in providing water for irrigation in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 800 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 60 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and supporting agricultural activities in the area. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable water management practices in Montana would find Farleys #1 an intriguing example of water infrastructure that contributes to the local economy and environment.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TRAIL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

3.44

Nid Storage

62

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.