Berkholder Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Oh Henry's Place Big (Toole)
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Berkholder Dam, located in Toole, Montana, was completed in 1904 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 24 feet and a length of 495 feet, has a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3.13 square miles. It is situated on the Kinyon Coulee, a tributary of the Missouri River, and is regulated by the Montana DNRC.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Berkholder Dam is considered to have a moderate risk due to its age and lack of recent condition assessments. The spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 21 feet, and the dam has not been modified in recent years. While the dam has not been rated for its condition, it is inspected, permitted, and regulated by the state of Montana to ensure its safety and functionality in the event of an emergency. Overall, Berkholder Dam provides vital water resources for the local community and contributes to the conservation of the surrounding environment.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Berkholder Dam offers a glimpse into the history and engineering of water management in Montana. Its location on the Kinyon Coulee highlights the importance of maintaining dams for multiple purposes, from agricultural needs to wildlife conservation. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water storage and distribution in the region, with ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight to ensure its continued operation. As climate change challenges water resources, dams like Berkholder will be essential for managing water supply and mitigating the impacts of drought and flooding in the future.
Year Completed |
1904 |
Dam Length |
495 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
KINYON COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
3.13 |
Nid Storage |
125 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Berkholder Dam