Griffith Reservoir Report
Nearby: Berg Cinnamon #6
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Griffith is a privately owned water resource located in Wheatland, Montana, with a primary purpose of serving as a fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1959 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. Situated along the TR-Mud Creek, Griffith plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and provides vital water resources for the surrounding area.
Maintained by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Griffith is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been condition rated and lacks emergency action plans. With a spillway width of 40 feet and a drainage area of 1.09 square miles, Griffith serves as a key infrastructure for water management and conservation efforts in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of Griffith in the broader context of water conservation and management is essential. With its strategic location in Wheatland County and its contribution to fire protection, livestock support, and ecological sustainability, Griffith represents a valuable asset in the state's water infrastructure. By acknowledging its design and purpose, we can appreciate the role that Griffith plays in maintaining a balance between human needs and environmental preservation in Montana.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MUD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
1.09 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Griffith