Coffee Mate Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cafe Mocha Tutsch Reservoir
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Coffee Mate, located in Fergus County, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1938 by the USDA NRCS to serve various purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 20 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Coffee Creek, the dam has a drainage area of 7.41 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 150 cubic feet per second.
Maintained by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Coffee Mate is classified as a low hazard potential dam with a condition assessment of 'Not Rated'. Despite not being regularly inspected, the dam is designed to withstand emergencies with an emergency action plan (EAP) meeting guidelines for risk management. The dam's spillway width measures 30 feet, ensuring efficient water release and flood control. The structure, although not under federal jurisdiction, plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Coffee Mate's strategic location and design highlight the importance of earth dams in providing essential water resources for agricultural and environmental purposes. With its long history of service dating back to the 1930s, the dam continues to play a key role in supporting local communities and ecosystems. As climate change impacts water availability, structures like Coffee Mate are vital for ensuring sustainable water management practices and safeguarding against potential hazards in the future.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COFFEE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
7.41 |
Nid Storage |
130 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Judith River Nr Mouth
|
368cfs |
Missouri River At Fort Benton Mt
|
4720cfs |
Belt Creek Near Monarch Mt
|
14cfs |
Teton River At Loma Mt
|
30cfs |
Missouri River At Virgelle Mt
|
4820cfs |
Marias River Near Loma Mt
|
335cfs |
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.
Coffee Mate