Hell Roaring Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hell Roaring is a federal-owned earth dam located in Montana, specifically in Lake County.


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Summary

Constructed in 1914 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. Standing at a structural height of 30 feet and a length of 313 feet, Hell Roaring Dam holds a normal storage capacity of 40 acre-feet and is primarily regulated by the federal agency that built it.

With a significant hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, Hell Roaring Dam presents a critical infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor. The dam is situated on Hell Roaring Creek, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area. Despite lacking detailed condition assessments and emergency action plans, the dam's controlled spillway and rock foundation ensure its structural integrity for the time being. As a key component in fire protection and livestock management, Hell Roaring Dam plays a vital role in water management within the region.

As a critical piece of infrastructure with a long history of service, Hell Roaring Dam highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring earth dams for various purposes. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this federal-owned structure, especially in the context of its significant hazard potential and the need for ongoing risk management measures. With a focus on fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management, Hell Roaring Dam stands as a testament to the intricate balance between human needs and environmental stewardship in the management of water resources.

Year Completed

1914

Dam Length

313

River Or Stream

HELL ROARING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

40

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

30
       
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.