Durfee Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Durfee Creek Dam, located in Fergus County, Montana, is a private earth dam primarily used for irrigation purposes on Durfee Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 29.94 feet and a storage capacity of 173 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water for agricultural activities in the area. Despite being owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, ensuring that it meets necessary safety and inspection standards.

The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. While the exact year of completion is unknown, the dam continues to serve its intended purpose effectively. Although there are no associated structures or outlet gates, the dam's importance lies in its contribution to irrigation and water resource management in the region. With its location along Durfee Creek and under the jurisdiction of the state of Montana, the Durfee Creek Dam remains a key infrastructure for sustaining agricultural activities in the area.

Overall, Durfee Creek Dam is a vital piece of infrastructure in Fergus County, Montana, ensuring a reliable water supply for irrigation purposes. While it may not have a high hazard potential, the dam's regulation by the state and its low-risk assessment highlight its importance in maintaining water safety and security. As climate change continues to impact water resources, dams like Durfee Creek play a crucial role in managing and optimizing water usage for agricultural sustainability in the region.

Dam Length

1055

Dam Height

29.94

River Or Stream

TR-DURFEE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25.89

Nid Storage

173

Structural Height

29.94

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.