Pfaft #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pfaff Irrigation Janitell #1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Pfaft #1, located in Prairie, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1942 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purposes of fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.
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Summary
This dam stands at a height of 14 feet with a length of 200 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 92 acre-feet and a normal storage of 17 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the DNRC and is designed to control the flow of water from the TR-HAY CREEK, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1000 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Pfaft #1 carries a moderate risk rating of 3. The dam is currently in a condition assessment of "Not Rated" and lacks updated emergency action plans and inundation maps. While it remains uninspected and does not meet current risk management guidelines, the dam continues to serve its intended purposes effectively. As a vital structure for water resource management and climate resilience in the area, efforts to enhance its safety and operational efficiency may be necessary in the future to mitigate potential risks and ensure long-term sustainability.
Year Completed |
1942 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
TR-HAY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
1.05 |
Nid Storage |
92 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Pfaft #1