Big Bucks #10 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Binion #3 Bateman #1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Big Bucks #10 is a privately owned earth dam located in Garfield County, Montana, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1955.
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Summary
The dam's primary purpose is for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond usage, with a storage capacity of 79 acre-feet. Situated on Black John Coulee, the dam has a height of 22 feet and a length of 200 feet, serving a drainage area of 1.56 square miles.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Big Bucks #10 has not been inspected or assessed for condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 75 feet, capable of discharging a maximum of 375 cubic feet per second. Although the dam meets state regulations and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, it has not been evaluated for emergency action planning or inundation mapping.
Overall, Big Bucks #10 stands as a vital water resource structure in the region, providing essential functions for fire protection and livestock management. With its strategic location and design, the dam plays a significant role in water management and conservation efforts within the area, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such critical infrastructure for the future.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
BLACK JOHN COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
1.56 |
Nid Storage |
79 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Big Bucks #10