Artz #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Swayne #1 Mcwilliams Reservoir
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Artz #1 is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Garfield County, Montana, along the Artz Coulee.
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Summary
Built in 1950 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 12 feet high and has a storage capacity of 119 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential, Artz #1 serves the primary purpose of irrigation, benefiting the local agricultural community by providing water for crops.
Managed and regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Artz #1 is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's spillway width of 100 feet allows for a maximum discharge of 500 cubic feet per second, ensuring efficient water management during peak flow events. While the dam's condition is currently unrated, its design and construction by the USDA NRCS instill confidence in its structural integrity.
Situated in a picturesque location with a drainage area of 5.2 square miles, Artz #1 exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions. As a vital piece of infrastructure for the local community, this dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners, government agencies, and conservationists in safeguarding water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
ARTZ COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
5.2 |
Nid Storage |
119 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Yellowstone River At Miles City Mt
|
8100cfs |
Tongue River At Miles City Mt
|
263cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
1cfs |
Yellowstone River At Forsyth Mt
|
5430cfs |
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.
Artz #1