Bullhook Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Scott Coulee Dam Sands Lake East Dike
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bullhook Dam, located in Hill, Montana, along Bullhook Creek, serves as a critical flood risk reduction infrastructure.
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Summary
Completed in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 87 feet and has a hydraulic height of 83 feet, providing a storage capacity of 10,280 acre-feet. Managed by the local government in Havre, Montana, Bullhook Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of December 2020, Bullhook Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures are not specified in the available data, but regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in August 2020. Despite its age, Bullhook Dam continues to meet safety guidelines and provides a necessary safeguard against flood risks in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of Bullhook Dam in flood risk reduction efforts is vital. Its strategic location, design, and operational oversight by the local government and DNRC highlight the collaborative effort to protect the community and manage water resources effectively. The dam's history, storage capacity, and technical specifications contribute to its role as a critical infrastructure in ensuring the safety and resilience of the area against potential flood events along Bullhook Creek in Montana.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
1815 |
Dam Height |
87 |
River Or Stream |
BULLHOOK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
83 |
Nid Storage |
10280 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
87 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Milk River At Havre Mt
|
42cfs |
Big Sandy Creek Near Havre Mt
|
6cfs |
Clear Creek Near Chinook Mt
|
21cfs |
Battle Creek Near Chinook Mt
|
12cfs |
Milk River Near Harlem Mt
|
69cfs |
Missouri River At Virgelle Mt
|
4290cfs |
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.
Bullhook Dam