Wishbone Reservoir Report
Nearby: Huffman #1 Salsbury (Richland)
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Located in Richland County, Montana, the Wishbone dam stands as a testament to early 1960s engineering.
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Summary
This private structure, designed for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes, holds a normal storage capacity of 84 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 165 acre-feet. The earth dam, standing at 20 feet high with a length of 150 feet, harnesses the waters of the North Fork Burns Creek for local needs in the city of Savage.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), the Wishbone dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its intended purposes efficiently. The surrounding area benefits from the water resource management provided by the structure, ensuring a reliable water source for fire protection and livestock needs in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Wishbone dam stands as an example of early water infrastructure development in rural Montana.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
NORTH FORK BURNS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
165 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Wishbone