Sunny Bueno Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sunny Bueno is a privately owned Earth dam located in Black Eagle, Montana, with the primary purpose of serving as a fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1953, this dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet, making it a vital resource for the surrounding area. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, ensuring that it meets state inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements.

With its location on the TR-Sun River, Sunny Bueno plays a crucial role in maintaining water resources and supporting the local ecosystem. The dam's low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment indicate that it is in good standing, providing a sense of security for those who rely on its services. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain features like spillways and outlet gates, its presence remains essential for fire protection and agricultural needs in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the details of Sunny Bueno's design, purpose, and history offer valuable insights into the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems. By understanding the importance of dams like Sunny Bueno in managing water resources and mitigating risks, we can appreciate the efforts made to balance human needs with environmental stewardship in our changing world.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-SUN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

57

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.