Buddle #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mitvalsky #1 Balsam #3
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Buddle #1, located in Custer, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1949 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This dam on Sheep Creek has a height of 19 feet and a length of 380 feet, providing a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state agency, ensuring its safe operation.
Despite being classified as low hazard potential and not currently rated for condition assessment, Buddle #1 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. With a normal storage capacity of 40 acre-feet, the dam provides essential water supply for fire protection and livestock, as well as supporting aquatic habitats for small fish. The location of Buddle #1 in Congressional District 00, Montana, underlines its significance in maintaining water quality and availability in the area.
As a key feature in the local water infrastructure, Buddle #1 highlights the importance of sustainable dam management in the face of changing climate conditions. With its strategic location and role in water supply and conservation, this earth dam serves as a vital resource for both the community and the environment, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term functionality and resilience to climate-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
380 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
SHEEP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Buddle #1