Brunton Reservoir Report
Nearby: Benes Bank Albert #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Brunton is a privately owned water structure located in Fergus County, Montana, specifically on TR-Cutbank Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 22 feet in height and spans 570 feet in length. With a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond, the dam has a storage capacity of 97 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.41 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, it is regulated and inspected by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
The dam at Brunton is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway that is 200 feet wide and can handle a maximum discharge of 780 cubic feet per second. While the structure's condition is currently not rated and it has not undergone recent inspections, its risk assessment is moderate. As a critical piece of infrastructure for water resource management in the area, Brunton serves an important role in ensuring water availability for various purposes while also mitigating potential risks associated with its operation. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Brunton to be a fascinating example of human intervention in water management in a rural setting.
Located in a remote area with no nearby town, Brunton exemplifies the intersection of human needs and natural resources in the context of water infrastructure. With its historical significance dating back to the early 1960s, the dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance water usage for fire protection, livestock, and recreational purposes in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding and monitoring structures like Brunton will be crucial for ensuring sustainable water management practices and climate resilience in the future.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
570 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CUTBANK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
1.41 |
Nid Storage |
97 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Judith River Nr Mouth
|
368cfs |
Missouri River Near Landusky Mt
|
9100cfs |
Peoples Creek Near Hays Mt
|
4cfs |
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.
Brunton