Cottonwood Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sluggett #2 Weaver Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cottonwood is a privately-owned earth dam located in Fergus County, Montana, along the TR-Little Crooked Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1964, the dam stands at 38 feet high and spans 433 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 31 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond, serving the local community while also contributing to the ecosystem.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Cottonwood is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safety and compliance with water resource management guidelines. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of not rated, the dam provides a vital resource for the region while posing minimal risk to surrounding areas. Its strategic location and design make it an essential asset for water supply and climate resilience in the area.
Overall, Cottonwood plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in Fergus County, Montana. As a key infrastructure for fire protection and water storage, the dam serves multiple purposes while being actively monitored and maintained by state authorities. Its presence underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions, highlighting the need for continued investment in resilient water infrastructure for the future.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
433 |
Dam Height |
38 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE CROOKED CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Nid Storage |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
38 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Missouri River Near Landusky Mt
|
9100cfs |
Musselshell River At Mosby Mt
|
12cfs |
Flatwillow Creek Near Mosby Mt
|
17cfs |
Peoples Creek Near Hays Mt
|
4cfs |
Judith River Nr Mouth
|
368cfs |
Musselshell River At Musselshell Mt
|
72cfs |
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.
Cottonwood