Schiffer #6 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Big Timber #50 Big Timber #5
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Rosebud County, Montana, the Schiffer #6 dam is a private irrigation structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1954 along Blacktail Creek.
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Summary
With a height of 15 feet and a length of 250 feet, the dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation, providing a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not yet rated for condition assessment, Schiffer #6 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. It has a maximum discharge of 800 cubic feet per second and a drainage area of 4.69 square miles, serving the agricultural needs of the surrounding area. The dam, owned privately, stands as a testament to the collaboration between federal and state agencies in ensuring the efficient and sustainable use of water resources for irrigation purposes.
With its strategic location in Forsyth and close proximity to Congressional District 00 represented by Greg Gianforte, Schiffer #6 stands as a testament to the importance of private ownership in water resource management. As climate change continues to impact water availability in the region, structures like Schiffer #6 will play a vital role in ensuring water security for agricultural purposes. The dam's design, construction, and regulatory oversight by the NRCS and DNRC demonstrate a commitment to sustainable water management practices in Montana's evolving climate landscape.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
BLACKTAIL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
4.69 |
Nid Storage |
126 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Schiffer #6