Blackford #5 Reservoir Report
Nearby: R Owen #1 Clem-Reid #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Blackford #5 is a private irrigation dam located in Carter County, Montana, along the TR-Box Elder Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1955 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans 900 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 891 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation and is regulated by the DNRC, with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
With a low hazard potential and a "Not Rated" condition assessment, Blackford #5 is a vital water resource for agricultural purposes in the region. The dam has a maximum discharge of 1000 cubic feet per second and a normal storage capacity of 264 acre-feet, providing water for the surrounding area. Despite lacking certain assessments and emergency preparedness measures, the dam continues to support the local community's water needs while maintaining a relatively low risk profile.
Located just 59 miles from Marmarth, North Dakota, Blackford #5 is managed by private owners and falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the USACE. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, this dam plays a crucial role in supporting irrigation activities and ensuring water availability for agricultural operations in the area. With state oversight and regulatory measures in place, Blackford #5 remains a reliable and essential resource for water management in Carter County, Montana.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BOX ELDER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
18.75 |
Nid Storage |
891 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Blackford #5