Chinook Reservoir Report
Nearby: Skoyen Royal Champion
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Chinook, North is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Blaine, Montana, along Lodge Creek-offstream.
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Summary
Completed in 1910, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a length of 1900 feet, providing a storage capacity of 7500 acre-feet for irrigation purposes. Despite its age, the dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Chinook, North is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safe operation. Situated in Congressional District 00, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region, with a primary purpose of irrigation. Although not federally owned or funded, the dam remains under state jurisdiction and permitting, highlighting the importance of water resource management at the local level.
With its strategic location in the heart of Montana's agricultural landscape, Chinook, North serves as a vital water resource infrastructure for the community of Chinook and surrounding areas. While its condition assessment may be pending, the dam's historical significance and contribution to irrigation in the region underscore the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and monitoring the maintenance and operation of dams like Chinook, North is essential for ensuring the resilience of water systems in the face of future challenges.
Year Completed |
1910 |
Dam Length |
1900 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
LODGE CREEK-OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
7500 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Chinook, North