Chico Flats Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Chico Flats, located in Valley County, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1956 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
This dam on Bennett Coulee has a height of 23 feet and a storage capacity of 196 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for agricultural and ecological needs in the area. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment not yet rated, Chico Flats serves as a vital resource for water management and conservation in the region.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Chico Flats is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 400 cubic feet per second, making it a crucial component of flood control and water supply management in the region. Despite its age, Chico Flats continues to play a significant role in managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change on the local ecosystem.
As a key infrastructure in the Omaha District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chico Flats contributes to the overall water management efforts in Montana. Its location in Nashua, alongside the Bennett Coulee, emphasizes its importance in maintaining water quality, supporting wildlife habitats, and ensuring sustainable water use for agricultural and recreational purposes in the region. With ongoing regulatory oversight and maintenance, Chico Flats remains a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the intersection of water management and environmental conservation.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
1126 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
BENNETT COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
196 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Chico Flats