Three Forks Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hanson Co #5 Vt #1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Three Forks is a private irrigation dam located in Rosebud, Montana, along the Wildcat Coulee river stream.
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Summary
Built in 1953 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a length of 700 feet. With a storage capacity of 285 acre-feet, Three Forks serves the primary purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area.
Owned and regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Three Forks is classified as a low hazard potential structure with a condition assessment of 'Not Rated'. Although the dam has not been inspected recently, it is mandated to undergo state inspection, enforcement, and permitting procedures. The dam's spillway width is 100 feet, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 1000 cubic feet per second.
Situated in Congressional District 00 of Montana and managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Three Forks plays a vital role in the water resource management of the region. Enthusiasts interested in water resource and climate-related topics would find this dam's engineering details and regulatory oversight intriguing, showcasing the intersection of infrastructure development and environmental stewardship in Montana's water management landscape.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
WILDCAT COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
1.02 |
Nid Storage |
285 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Three Forks