Couch Coulee #3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Couch Coulee #1 Perigee
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Couch Coulee #3 is a privately owned earth dam in Chinook, Montana, completed in 1941 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
This low hazard potential structure has a dam height of 15 feet and a length of 250 feet, with a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet. Situated along the TR-STATON stream in Hill County, Couch Coulee #3 is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
Although not currently rated for condition assessment, Couch Coulee #3 remains a vital water resource infrastructure in the region, providing essential services for fire protection and agricultural purposes. With its strategic location and modest size, this dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water supply reliability and supporting local ecosystems. As a part of the Omaha District, this structure contributes to the overall water management efforts in the area, showcasing the importance of small-scale dams in sustaining water resources and adapting to changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-STATON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
77 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
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 #3