Hound Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hound Creek is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Cascade, Montana, near the city of Great Falls.


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Summary

Built in 1953 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 30 feet tall and spans 595 feet in length. It serves the primary purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area, with a storage capacity of 143 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 535 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the DNRC, Hound Creek has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam is situated on the East Fork Hound Creek, in a region with a drainage area of 13.48 square miles. Despite its age, Hound Creek remains regulated, inspected, and permitted by the state of Montana. With its strategic location and vital role in providing water for agricultural purposes, Hound Creek represents a significant piece of Montana's water resource infrastructure.

While lacking certain detailed information such as inspection dates and emergency preparedness measures, Hound Creek remains an essential component of the local water management system. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Hound Creek will be crucial in ensuring reliable water supplies for irrigation and other uses. With its historical significance and ongoing operational importance, Hound Creek stands as a testament to the enduring value of water resource infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

595

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

EAST FORK HOUND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

13.48

Nid Storage

143

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.