Big Bucks #9 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Binions Reservoir #2 Big Bucks #8
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Big Bucks #9 is a private earth dam located in Garfield, Montana, designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1955.
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Summary
Situated on TR-East Fork Woody Creek, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With a dam height of 24 feet and a storage capacity of 227 acre-feet, Big Bucks #9 has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3.
Owned privately, this dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 100 feet, and the maximum discharge is 500 cubic feet per second. Despite not having a condition assessment rating, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are not available, highlighting areas that may need attention in the future.
Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate change will find Big Bucks #9 an intriguing structure to study, with its historical significance and role in supporting various ecological functions in the region. The dam's location, design, and purpose offer valuable insights into how human interventions affect water systems and the surrounding environment. Further research into its condition assessment, risk management, and emergency preparedness could provide valuable lessons for sustainable water resource management practices in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-EAST FORK WOODY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
1.56 |
Nid Storage |
227 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
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 #9