Skorupa Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Skorupa is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Loma, Montana, on the South Pondera Coulee.


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Summary

Completed in 1953, this earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and has a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet, making it a crucial resource for agricultural purposes in the region. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, signaling the need for further inspection and maintenance to ensure its long-term reliability.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Skorupa is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement measures. With a primary purpose of irrigation, the dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the Pondera County area. Despite its age, Skorupa continues to serve its intended function, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure to meet the demands of a changing climate and growing population.

As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Skorupa's significance extends beyond its immediate vicinity. With a capacity to hold 84 acre-feet of water, the dam contributes to the overall water security of the region, especially during times of drought or water scarcity. While the dam's condition assessment remains undetermined, proactive measures must be taken to ensure its resilience in the face of evolving climate patterns and increasing water demands.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

75

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

SOUTH PONDERA COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

8

Nid Storage

84

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.