Halverson Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buffalo Tigar Milk
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Halverson is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Valley County, Montana, along the Buffalo Coulee.
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Summary
Built in 1954 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a storage capacity of 913 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 430 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 170 feet and a maximum discharge of 850 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding agricultural community.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Halverson is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, although its condition assessment is currently not rated. Despite its age, Halverson plays a vital role in providing irrigation water to the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure in the face of a changing climate and increasing water demands.
As climate change continues to impact water resources, dams like Halverson will be essential for managing water supply and ensuring agricultural sustainability. With its location in a congressional district represented by Greg Gianforte, Halverson serves as a key example of the intersection between water infrastructure, climate resilience, and policy. As efforts to address climate-related challenges in water management intensify, the role of dams like Halverson in adapting to a changing climate will be crucial for ensuring water security in the future.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
BUFFALO COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
913 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Halverson