Swayne #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Artz #1 Mcwilliams Reservoir
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Swayne #1 is a private dam located in Garfield, Montana, with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at 18 feet high and spans 300 feet in length, completed in 1965. With a storage capacity of 118 acre-feet, the dam serves as a low hazard potential structure for the surrounding area.
Situated on Artz Coulee, Swayne #1 is regulated and permitted by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). Despite being classified as "Not Rated" in condition assessment, the dam is inspected, enforced, and maintained by the state agency. As a crucial feature for water resource management in the region, the dam plays a role in ensuring adequate water supply for fire protection and livestock needs while also supporting small fish pond ecosystems.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Swayne #1 offers insights into the infrastructure designed for multiple purposes and the regulatory framework governing its operation. With its historical significance and ongoing monitoring, the dam serves as a case study for sustainable water management practices in rural Montana, highlighting the importance of maintaining and assessing critical structures for the community's resilience and safety in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
ARTZ COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
118 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Yellowstone River At Miles City Mt
|
8100cfs |
Yellowstone River At Forsyth Mt
|
5430cfs |
Tongue River At Miles City Mt
|
263cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
1cfs |
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.
Swayne #1