B Henderson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

B Henderson, located in Richland County, Montana, is a privately owned dam with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock watering, and serving as a small fish pond.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1945, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet. Situated along Second Hay Creek, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), B Henderson is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safe operation and compliance with regulations. With a low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated," this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for the surrounding community while posing minimal risk to downstream areas.

As a water resource and climate enthusiast, B Henderson presents an intriguing case study in the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems. Its role in fire protection, stock watering, and fish habitat enhancement showcases the diverse functions that dams can serve in managing water resources while also raising important questions about the long-term sustainability and resilience of such structures in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

180

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

SECOND HAY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

64

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.
View more

Area Campgrounds