Creedman Coulee Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Creedman Coulee Dam, located in Hill, Montana, is a federal-owned structure designed by the U.S.


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Summary

Department of Agriculture and managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service. Completed in 1938, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a hydraulic height of 19 feet. Its primary purpose is to serve as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a storage capacity of 4,140 acre-feet and a drainage area of 35.64 square miles.

The dam has undergone structural modifications in 1959 and 1989 to ensure its continued integrity. It features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and is inspected every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in July 2013, determining its condition as fair. Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the Creedman Coulee Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area and supporting wildlife conservation efforts. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance, this dam remains a key component of the local ecosystem.

Overall, Creedman Coulee Dam stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of federal agencies to uphold water resource management and environmental conservation. Its strategic location and purposeful design reflect a harmonious blend of infrastructure development and ecological stewardship, making it a noteworthy site for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike to appreciate and study in the context of sustainable water management practices.

Years Modified

1959 - Structural, 1989 - Structural

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

1135

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

CREEDMAN COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

308

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

35.64

Nid Storage

4140

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.