Cline #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cline #3 is a privately owned earth dam located in Carter County, Montana, near Marmarth, North Dakota.


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Summary

Built in 1947 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock water supply, and small fish pond management. With a height of 8 feet and a length of 150 feet, Cline #3 has a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet and a drainage area of 19.16 square miles along the TR-Buffalo Creek.

Managed by the DNRC, Cline #3 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state of Montana. Despite having a low hazard potential and not yet being rated for its condition, this dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources for the surrounding area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2000 cubic feet per second, Cline #3 is a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

While lacking detailed information on emergency action plans, risk assessments, and inundation maps, Cline #3 remains an essential structure for water conservation and management. As an earth dam in a rural setting, it signifies the intersection of human intervention in natural landscapes to ensure water availability for various purposes, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and safety in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

TR-BUFFALO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

19.16

Nid Storage

125

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.
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Area Campgrounds