Chanlin Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ohs Martin #1 (Phillips)
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Chanlin is a private irrigation dam located in Phillips County, Montana, near the city of Saco.
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Summary
Built in 1951 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth dam on Snowbank Coulee serves the primary purpose of irrigation, with a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. The dam stands at 27 feet high and stretches 150 feet in length, providing water for agricultural needs in the region.
Managed by the DNRC, Chanlin is a state-regulated structure that undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam is considered to be in stable condition. Although not rated for emergency preparedness, the structure remains a vital resource for water management in the area, with a maximum discharge capacity of 250 cubic feet per second.
Located in Congressional District 00 of Montana, Chanlin plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region. With its modest size and low hazard potential, the dam serves as a reliable source of water for irrigation purposes, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
SNOWBANK COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
90 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Chanlin