Harbaugh #3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Harbaugh, D. Harbaugh,C.
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Harbaugh #3 is a privately owned earth dam located in Garfield, Montana, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1952.
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Summary
The dam, situated on TR-SAND CREEK, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. With a height of 20 feet and a length of 250 feet, it has a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.19 square miles.
Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Harbaugh #3 is state-regulated and subject to inspection, permitting, and enforcement by the DNRC in Montana. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet and a maximum discharge of 500 cubic feet per second. While the condition of the dam is currently not rated, it meets the necessary guidelines for emergency action planning, although specific details on preparedness and risk management measures are not provided.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and safety of dams will find Harbaugh #3 an intriguing case study. The dam's location, design, and regulatory oversight highlight the importance of maintaining infrastructure for multiple uses while ensuring public safety and environmental protection. Further research into the condition assessment, emergency action planning, and risk management measures for Harbaugh #3 could provide valuable insights into the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SAND CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
2.19 |
Nid Storage |
125 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Harbaugh #3