Hanford Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hanford, located in Chouteau, Montana, is a privately owned dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

Completed in 1962, this earth dam stands at 30 feet high with a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a length of 186 feet. It has a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1 square mile, serving as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.

Managed by the DNRC, Hanford is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state of Montana, ensuring its safety and functionality for its low hazard potential. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is deemed to have a moderate level of risk with no condition assessment currently rated. Although lacking in certain emergency preparedness measures, Hanford meets state guidelines and provides essential water storage for fire protection and agricultural purposes in the region.

Located near the TR-Missouri River, Hanford plays a vital role in water resource management in the area, serving as a critical infrastructure for both human and environmental needs. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance and safety of dams like Hanford is crucial for sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

186

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-MISSOURI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

40

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.