Turk Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Chouteau, Montana, Turk is a privately owned water resource structure designed by the USDA NRCS for multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at 25 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-Little Sandy Creek and is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

Turk has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, indicating a level of risk management in place. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet and a maximum discharge rate of 135 cubic feet per second. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, Turk is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its functionality and safety for the surrounding community.

Turk serves as a vital water resource for the Hole in the Wall Landingrec area, providing essential services for fire protection, livestock, and recreational activities. With its strategic location and multiple functions, Turk represents a valuable asset in the water management and climate resilience efforts in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable water infrastructure for the local ecosystem and community.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE SANDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

4.69

Nid Storage

77

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.