Cool Black Rock Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Cool Black Rock is a privately owned dam located in Loma, Montana, along the Rocky Coulee river.


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Summary

Built in 1919, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet, primarily serving purposes such as fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. Despite its age, the dam is in good condition with a low hazard potential, as it has not been rated for its current condition.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Cool Black Rock is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a history of serving the local community for over a century, this dam plays a vital role in water resource management and conservation efforts in the area. Although details such as the last inspection date and condition assessment are not readily available, the dam continues to fulfill its intended purposes effectively.

Situated in Hill County, Montana, Cool Black Rock offers a glimpse into the region's rich water resource infrastructure and highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures for sustainable water management practices. As a key feature along the Rocky Coulee river, this dam remains a valuable asset for fire protection, livestock management, and recreational activities, showcasing the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship in water resource management.

Year Completed

1919

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

ROCKY COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

100

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.