Santa Maria Reservoir Report
Nearby: Blevins Paradise Diversion
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
Santa Maria is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Fort Belknap, Montana.
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Summary
Built in 1959 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a storage capacity of 114 acre-feet, primarily used for irrigation purposes. It is regulated by the state agency DNRC and is subject to regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Situated on diffused surface water, Santa Maria serves as a vital resource for the surrounding area, with a drainage area of 0.71 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 180 cubic feet per second. Despite its modest size, the dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. While it lacks an emergency action plan and inundation maps, Santa Maria continues to support agricultural activities in the region, contributing to water resource management and climate resiliency efforts.
With its historical significance and ongoing role in irrigation, Santa Maria exemplifies the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in Montana. As part of the Omaha District and under the jurisdiction of the state, this dam showcases the collaboration between federal and state agencies in managing water resources. Moving forward, continued monitoring and maintenance of Santa Maria will be essential to ensure its continued functionality and contribution to the local ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
DIFFUSED SURFACE WATER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
0.71 |
Nid Storage |
114 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
Santa Maria