De Puydt Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Phillips County, Montana, the De Puydt dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and irrigation in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 1935, this earth dam serves a primary purpose of irrigation, harnessing the waters of Beaver Creek to support agricultural activities in the area. With a dam height of 12 feet and a storage capacity of 118 acre-feet, De Puydt plays a crucial role in maintaining water supply for the local community.

Managed by a private owner, De Puydt is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), ensuring that the dam meets state inspection and enforcement standards. Despite its low hazard potential, the condition of De Puydt is currently not rated, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the role of structures like De Puydt in sustaining agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions becomes increasingly significant.

As water enthusiasts and climate advocates, understanding the significance of dams like De Puydt in supporting local agriculture and water security is crucial. With its historical importance and role in irrigation, De Puydt serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between water resources, climate resilience, and sustainable development. By recognizing the value of such structures and ensuring their proper management and maintenance, we can continue to safeguard water availability for future generations.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

7920

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

118

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

De PuydtBeaver Cr bl Guston Coulee nr Saco MT Preview Beaver Cr Bl Guston Coulee Nr Saco Mt
66.6cfs
67cfs
De PuydtMilk River at Juneberg Bridge nr Saco MT Preview Milk River At Juneberg Bridge Nr Saco Mt
104.0cfs
104cfs
De PuydtBeaver Creek near Hinsdale MT Preview Beaver Creek Near Hinsdale Mt
1.12cfs
1cfs
De PuydtMilk River at Malta MT Preview Milk River At Malta Mt
0.0cfs
0cfs
De PuydtMilk River at Tampico MT Preview Milk River At Tampico Mt
123.0cfs
123cfs
De PuydtMilk River near Dodson MT Preview Milk River Near Dodson Mt
67.7cfs
68cfs

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.
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Nearby Reservoirs