Brown Coulee (Rosebud) Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Brown Coulee (Rosebud) is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Forsyth, Montana.
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Summary
Completed in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 778 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 778 acre-feet and a normal storage of 506 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is to provide irrigation water for the surrounding area, making it an essential resource for agricultural operations in the region.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Brown Coulee (Rosebud) is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam poses minimal risk to the surrounding community. Although it has not been rated for its condition, the dam's design and construction meet regulatory standards, making it a reliable water resource for the area.
Situated on Brown Coulee, this dam plays a crucial role in water management in Rosebud County, Montana. With its strategic location and efficient design, Brown Coulee (Rosebud) serves as a vital infrastructure for sustaining agricultural activities and ensuring water availability for the local community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper management and upkeep of dams like Brown Coulee (Rosebud) are essential for adapting to changing conditions and safeguarding water supplies for the future.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
BROWN COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
778 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
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.
Brown Coulee (Rosebud)