Dutch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Dutch is a privately owned earth dam located in Fergus County, Montana.


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Summary

Built in 1964, the dam stands at a height of 20 feet and stretches 485 feet in length, providing essential services for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes. Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Dutch is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality.

Situated on Crooked Creek, Dutch has a low hazard potential and has a maximum storage capacity of 51 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 26 acre-feet. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 370 cubic feet per second, serving as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. While the condition assessment of Dutch is currently not rated, regular inspections and emergency preparedness measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the dam's integrity in the face of climate change impacts.

As a key infrastructure for water management in the region, Dutch plays a vital role in safeguarding against wildfires, supporting livestock, and maintaining biodiversity through its small fish pond. With its strategic location and regulated operations, Dutch exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of increasing climate variability and extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

485

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-CROOKED CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

51

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.