Felt Coulee Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Petroleum County, Montana, the Felt Coulee Dam, also known as De Stewart #1, is a private irrigation structure designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1971.


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Summary

The dam is situated on the TR-Box Elder Creek and serves the primary purpose of irrigation. With a dam height of 19.1 feet and a storage capacity of 129 acre-feet, this earth dam plays a crucial role in water management in the region.

Owned privately and regulated by the DNRC, the Felt Coulee Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as 'Not Rated' in terms of condition assessment. The dam's spillway width is 204 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1000 cubic feet per second. Despite not being under the USACE jurisdiction, the Felt Coulee Dam remains an integral part of the local water infrastructure, ensuring the efficient distribution of water for agricultural purposes.

As a significant asset in the irrigation landscape of Montana, the Felt Coulee Dam stands as a testament to the collaboration between private owners and regulatory agencies in maintaining water resources for the benefit of the community. With its strategic location and functional design, this dam continues to play a vital role in supporting agriculture and water management in the region.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

680

Dam Height

19.1

River Or Stream

TR-BOX ELDER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

16.8

Drainage Area

1.91

Nid Storage

129

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.