Ottun #5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ottun #5 is a private earth dam located in Big Horn, Montana, designed primarily for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1963 and regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), this dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet. Situated on TR-PERITSA CREEK in the city of HARDIN, Ottun #5 serves as a crucial water resource for the local community, with a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated.

Despite its modest size and purpose, Ottun #5 plays a significant role in providing essential water resources for fire protection and livestock in the region. With a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 25 acre-feet, this dam contributes to the conservation and management of water in Big Horn County, Montana. Although its condition assessment is not currently rated, Ottun #5 is regularly inspected, demonstrating its importance for ensuring the safety and sustainability of the local water supply.

As a key structure under the jurisdiction of the state of Montana, Ottun #5 reflects the collaborative efforts between private owners and state regulatory agencies to manage water resources effectively. With a history dating back to 1963, this earth dam serves as a valuable asset for the community, highlighting the importance of infrastructure for addressing water needs, particularly in the context of climate change and increasing water scarcity concerns.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-PERITSA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

64

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.