Hook #72 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Fleming #2 Nielsen
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hook #72, also known as Hook Ranch Dam, is a private earth dam located in Rosebud County, Montana, along Bull Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1970 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a height of 22 feet and a length of 180 feet, it has a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a drainage area of 23.44 square miles.
Despite being classified with a low hazard potential, Hook #72 is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 200 feet and a maximum discharge of 1500 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for this dam is moderate, with a rating of 3, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hook #72 presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam in a rural Montana setting. With its unique design and multiple purposes, this dam provides important water management services while also highlighting the importance of regulatory oversight and risk assessment in maintaining the safety and integrity of such structures.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
180 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
BULL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
23.44 |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
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 #72