Folkoord Reservoir Report
Nearby: Olson (Richland) Buxbaum #2
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Folkoord, located in Richland County, Montana, is a private earth dam constructed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS for multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.
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Summary
With a height of 30 feet and a length of 435 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 228 acre-feet and serves the O'Brien Creek drainage area of 7.69 square miles. The dam is regulated by the DNRC and undergoes regular inspections, with a significant hazard potential.
The dam, situated in the city of Sidney, Montana, is owned and operated by private entities and falls under state jurisdiction for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The primary designer of Folkoord is the Natural Resources Conservation Service, with no federal agency involvement in ownership, funding, or construction. The dam is equipped with a spillway width of 150 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 856 cubic feet per second, ensuring efficient water management and flood control for the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Folkoord offers a fascinating case study of a privately owned earth dam in Montana, showcasing the collaborative efforts between state agencies and private owners to manage water resources effectively. With its intricate design, multiple purposes, and significant hazard potential, Folkoord stands as a vital piece of infrastructure providing essential services to the local community while also contributing to the conservation and management of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
435 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
O'BRIEN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
7.69 |
Nid Storage |
228 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Folkoord