Upper O'Dell Coulee Reservoir dam
Upper O'Dell Coulee Reservoir
Upper O'Dell Coulee Reservoir, located in Wolf Point, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam structure completed in 1952 for the primary purpose of irrigation. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet and a dam height of 24 feet, providing water to support agricultural activities in the region. Situated on Antelope Creek, this low hazard potential reservoir is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safe operation.
Even though the condition assessment of Upper O'Dell Coulee Reservoir is currently marked as "Not Rated," the reservoir's low hazard potential and the presence of regulatory agencies demonstrate a commitment to maintaining its safety and functionality. With a normal storage capacity of 49 acre-feet and a drainage area in McCone County, this reservoir plays a crucial role in supporting the irrigation needs of the local community. While no risk assessment or emergency action plan information is available, the reservoir's design and construction meet state guidelines, ensuring that it continues to serve as a vital water resource for the area.
As an essential component of the local water infrastructure, Upper O'Dell Coulee Reservoir contributes to the sustainability of agriculture in the region by providing reliable water supplies for irrigation purposes. With its strategic location and state oversight, the reservoir serves as a testament to the importance of effective water resource management in mitigating climate impacts and ensuring the resilience of water systems. Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate will appreciate the role that Upper O'Dell Coulee Reservoir plays in supporting agricultural activities and enhancing water security in the area.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Upper O'Dell Coulee Reservoir -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri River Near Wolf Point Mt | 6,370 cfs | → |
| Poplar River Near Poplar Mt | 35 cfs | → |
| Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt | · | → |
| Redwater River At Circle Mt | 14 cfs | → |
| Milk River At Nashua Mt | 135 cfs | → |
| Big Muddy Cr Nr Mouth Nr Culbertson Mt | 11 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Upper O'Dell Coulee Reservoir.
Track Upper O'Dell Coulee Reservoir in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Upper O'Dell Coulee Reservoir
Where does the data for Upper O'Dell Coulee Reservoir come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Upper O'Dell Coulee Reservoir.