Big Bucks #14 Reservoir Report
Nearby: N E Olsen #1 Big Bucks #15
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Big Bucks #14, a privately owned earth dam located in Garfield, Montana, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
Completed in 1955, this structure stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Frazier Creek, this dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition.
Despite its age, Big Bucks #14 is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) with regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam's primary source agency is the state of Montana, with no federal involvement in its ownership, funding, design, construction, or operation. Located in a remote area with no associated structures, this dam plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and water resource management.
With its strategic location and essential functions, Big Bucks #14 is a vital asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts in Montana. As a key element in the state's infrastructure for fire protection and livestock management, this dam showcases the importance of maintaining and regulating such structures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems. Its low hazard potential and state jurisdiction make it a valuable case study for understanding the intersection of water management, environmental conservation, and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-FRAZIER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
91 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Milk River At Nashua Mt
|
233cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
1cfs |
Musselshell River At Mosby Mt
|
12cfs |
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 #14