Ottun #3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Raglands #1 Hardin Sewage Lagoon
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ottun #3 is a privately owned earth dam located in Big Horn, Montana, along Ninemile Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1950, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a height of 18 feet and a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet, Ottun #3 has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Ottun #3 is regulated by the state with permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place. The dam is situated in a remote area, 28 miles away from the city of BIGHORN, and falls under the jurisdiction of Congressional District 00 in Montana. Ottun #3 is not owned or funded by any federal agency and has not been modified or inspected in recent years.
While Ottun #3 may not pose a high risk, its presence contributes to the local water resource management and ecosystem along Ninemile Creek. Enthusiasts interested in climate change and water resource conservation can appreciate the role of dams like Ottun #3 in supporting various uses while ensuring safety and compliance with state regulations.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
NINEMILE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
88 |
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.
Ottun #3