Howard Coulee #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Howard Coulee #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Mosby, Montana, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1939.


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Summary

The dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. With a dam height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet, it provides essential water resources for the surrounding area.

This dam on TR-Howard Coulee has a low hazard potential and is not currently rated for its condition. However, it is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Montana Department of Natural Resources Conservation (DNRC). The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 25 feet, and it has a moderate risk assessment rating.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance and functionality of Howard Coulee #1, which continues to play a crucial role in water management in Petroleum County, Montana. With its strategic location and multi-purpose design, this dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in mitigating risks and supporting various ecological and agricultural activities in the region.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-HOWARD COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

2.66

Nid Storage

70

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.