Couch Coulee #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Couch Coulee #3 Rusty Bandalero
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Couch Coulee #1 is a private earth dam located in Montana's Hill County, near the city of Chinook.
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Summary
Built in 1918, the dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet, primarily serving purposes such as fire protection, stock water supply, and small fish pond maintenance. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Situated on TR-Browns Coulee, Couch Coulee #1 has a low hazard potential and is not currently rated for its condition. The dam's primary function is to provide essential water resources for various uses while also mitigating the risk of potential flooding in the surrounding area. While the dam has not undergone recent modifications or assessments, it remains a crucial infrastructure for water management in the region. With its historical significance and practical applications, Couch Coulee #1 stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climates and increasing demands on water supplies.
Year Completed |
1918 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BROWNS COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
56 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Couch Coulee #1