Sassy Top Deck Reservoir Report
Nearby: Creedman Coulee Dam Hanson Coulee
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sassy Top Deck, located in Chinook, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1938 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
This low hazard potential structure has a height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Sassy Top Deck is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with state jurisdiction.
Situated along TR-Creedman Coulee, Sassy Top Deck serves as a vital water resource in Hill County, Montana, providing essential water storage for various needs. With a maximum storage capacity of 53 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 32 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in supporting fire protection efforts and livestock watering, while also creating a small fish pond. Despite its age, Sassy Top Deck continues to fulfill its intended purposes effectively, contributing to the local ecosystem and water management efforts.
As a historical structure with a rich legacy dating back to the late 1930s, Sassy Top Deck stands as a testament to the enduring importance of water resource management in rural Montana. With its solid earth construction and state-regulated oversight, this dam exemplifies the balance between human needs and environmental stewardship, ensuring sustainable water usage for current and future generations. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sassy Top Deck is a prime example of how infrastructure can harmoniously blend with nature to create a resilient and reliable water supply system.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CREEDMAN COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Sassy Top Deck