Kuntson #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kuntson #1 is a private earth dam located in Chinook, Montana, along the Staton Coulee river.


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Summary

Completed in 1950, this dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and a small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet. The dam has a height of 15 feet and a length of 300 feet, providing a low hazard potential with a condition assessment that is currently not rated.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Kuntson #1 is state-regulated and subject to inspection, enforcement, and permitting. While the dam does not have associated structures or federal agency involvement, it is essential for maintaining water resources in the region. With a normal storage capacity of 29 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 410 cubic feet per second, Kuntson #1 plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in Hill County, Montana.

Despite its low hazard potential, the condition of Kuntson #1 is not currently assessed, and emergency action plans are not rated. Nevertheless, this dam remains an integral part of the local water infrastructure, providing essential services for fire protection, livestock, and recreational purposes. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance and maintenance of structures like Kuntson #1 is vital for sustainable water management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

STATON COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

74

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.