Colen Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lefdehl Sunday Milk
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Colen is a private water resource located in Phillips County, Montana, specifically in the city of Saco.
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Summary
Built in 1945, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 225 feet in length. Its primary purposes include fire protection, stock, and serving as a small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Colen is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated. It is situated on TR-Beaver Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of Congressional District 00, with Representative Greg Gianforte overseeing the area.
Water resource enthusiasts will find Colen to be an intriguing structure due to its historical significance, functional design, and essential roles in fire protection and agriculture. As climate change impacts water resources, understanding and maintaining dams like Colen becomes increasingly crucial for sustainable water management in Montana and beyond.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
225 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BEAVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
94 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Colen