Barnard Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Barnard Dam, located in Phillips, Montana, is a gravity dam with a height of 24 feet and a hydraulic height of 21 feet, designed by the Bureau of Land Management.
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Summary
The dam, situated on an unnamed drainage system, has a storage capacity of 55.88 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 14.86 acre-feet and a surface area of 8.88 acres. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the Bureau of Land Management and has not been modified since its completion.
Despite its moderate risk assessment, Barnard Dam has not had an emergency action plan prepared or updated recently. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 2 feet and is inspected every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity. Owned and funded by the Bureau of Land Management, the dam serves no primary purpose and is primarily used for water storage in the region. With its historical significance as a federal structure and its crucial role in managing water resources in the area, Barnard Dam remains a key component of the local infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and appreciate.
Dam Length |
892 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED DRAINAGE |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
8.88 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
55.88 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Barnard Dam