Stevens Coulee #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jeffrey #2 Gibbs, Gerold
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Stevens Coulee #1, located in Garfield, Montana, was completed in 1957 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
This privately-owned earth dam stands at 26 feet in height and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 193 acre-feet. Situated on the Stevens Coulee stream, this low hazard dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and receives regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.
The dam's primary purpose of providing essential water resources for firefighting, livestock, and aquatic life highlights its importance in sustaining the local ecosystem and agricultural activities. Despite its low hazard potential, efforts are made to maintain the dam's structural integrity through regular inspections and enforcement by state regulatory agencies. With its strategic location and contribution to water resource management in the region, Stevens Coulee #1 represents a vital infrastructure for both human and environmental needs.
As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the role of dams like Stevens Coulee #1 becomes even more critical in ensuring sustainable water management practices. By harnessing and storing water for various purposes, this dam contributes to the resilience of the local community and ecosystem in the face of changing climatic conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and supporting the maintenance of infrastructure like Stevens Coulee #1 is essential for promoting the long-term sustainability of water resources in Montana and beyond.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
STEVENS COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
193 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
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 |
Yellowstone River At Miles City Mt
|
8100cfs |
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.
Stevens Coulee #1