Sand Cow Reservoir Report
Nearby: Happy Jack #1 Gliblet
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sand Cow is a private earth dam located in Garfield, Montana, along Sand Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With a height of 12 feet and a length of 400 feet, Sand Cow has a storage capacity of 197 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 83 acre-feet.
Owned privately, Sand Cow is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam's maintenance and emergency preparedness status are not readily available in the data, highlighting potential areas for improvement in risk management and safety measures.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sand Cow offers a glimpse into the management of small-scale water infrastructure in rural Montana. Its multiple uses, regulatory oversight, and condition assessment provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with maintaining and operating dams for various purposes in the region.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
SAND CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
197 |
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.
Sand Cow