Hook #50 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Hook #50, located in Rosebud County, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1958 with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock watering, and serving as a small fish pond.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This structure on the SAND BUTTE COULEE river stands at 18 feet high and stretches 320 feet in length, offering a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, this dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), ensuring regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to maintain its integrity and safety.
With its serene location in the heart of Montana, Hook #50 serves as a vital resource for local wildlife and agriculture, showcasing the harmonious relationship between human development and natural ecosystems. The dam's strategic placement along the SAND BUTTE COULEE river not only provides essential water storage for fire prevention and livestock watering but also contributes to the conservation of small fish populations. Additionally, the dam's minimal risk assessment and low hazard potential reflect the careful design and maintenance practices that prioritize safety and environmental sustainability.
As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Hook #50 embodies the intersection of human needs and ecological stewardship, embodying the principles of responsible water resource management. Its historical significance as a fire protection measure and stock watering source underscores the importance of balancing human activities with environmental protection. With regular oversight and regulation by the DNRC, this earth dam continues to play a crucial role in sustaining the delicate ecological balance of the surrounding Rosebud County landscape.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
SAND BUTTE COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
56 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Hook #50