Big Bucks #5 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Fellman Bateman #1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Big Bucks #5 is a privately owned earth dam located in Garfield County, Montana, specifically on Second Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Constructed in 1955 by USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a storage capacity of 141 acre-feet. The primary purposes of this dam are for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance, serving the local community with its low hazard potential.
Managed by the DNRC, Big Bucks #5 is regulated and inspected by the state of Montana. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, this dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, this dam is considered to meet state guidelines and is equipped with emergency action plans in case of any unforeseen events.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Big Bucks #5 presents an interesting case study of a privately owned dam in Montana. With its history, design details, and risk assessment information, this dam exemplifies the importance of proper maintenance and regulation to ensure the safety and functionality of water infrastructure in the region.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
SECOND CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
4.69 |
Nid Storage |
141 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
4cfs |
Milk River At Nashua Mt
|
233cfs |
Milk River At Tampico Mt
|
123cfs |
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 #5