Buffalo Reservoir Report
Nearby: Halverson Tigar Milk
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Buffalo is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Vandalia, Montana, along the TR-Buffalo Coulee river.
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Summary
Built in 1910 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 19 feet tall and spans 200 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the DNRC and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and efficiency for irrigation purposes.
The Buffalo dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. Although the dam does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or updated inundation maps, it meets state permitting and inspection requirements. With a maximum discharge capacity of 875 cubic feet per second, the Buffalo dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources for agricultural activities in the surrounding Valley County area.
Despite its age, Buffalo dam continues to serve as a vital infrastructure for water management in Montana. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this privately owned structure remains an essential component in sustaining the irrigation needs of the local community along TR-Buffalo Coulee.
Year Completed |
1910 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BUFFALO COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
10.38 |
Nid Storage |
87 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Buffalo