Sheep Buyer Reservoir Report
Nearby: Neikro Lumberjack Junior
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sheep Buyer is a privately owned dam located in Fort Benton, Montana, along the TR-Sheep Coulee river.
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Summary
Built in 1905, this Earth dam stands at 25 feet tall and stretches 120 feet in length, providing essential fire protection and stock water storage in the area. With a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet, Sheep Buyer serves as a small fish pond as well, contributing to the local ecosystem.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Sheep Buyer is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in Chouteau County. Despite its age, Sheep Buyer continues to serve its primary purposes effectively, demonstrating the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure for both human and environmental benefit.
While lacking detailed risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures, Sheep Buyer remains an integral part of the local water supply system. With its historical significance and ongoing contribution to fire protection and stock water storage, this Earth dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century water management practices in Montana. As climate change impacts water resources, the upkeep and modernization of structures like Sheep Buyer will be key in ensuring sustainable water management for future generations.
Year Completed |
1905 |
Dam Length |
120 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SHEEP COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Lake Creek Near Power Mt
|
30cfs |
Teton River Near Dutton Mt
|
83cfs |
Muddy Creek At Vaughn Mt
|
86cfs |
Missouri River Near Great Falls Mt
|
3530cfs |
Sun River Near Vaughn Mt
|
2680cfs |
Missouri River Near Ulm Mt
|
3160cfs |
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.
Sheep Buyer