Cooper-Adams #6 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cooper-Adams #6 is a private irrigation dam located in Fergus County, Montana, along Bear Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at 13.3 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 372 acre-feet, serving the essential purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3, indicating a need for proactive risk management measures.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Cooper-Adams #6 is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite being classified as 'Not Rated' in terms of condition assessment, the dam remains an integral part of the local water resource infrastructure. With a spillway type of 'Uncontrolled,' the dam is designed to handle the maximum storage capacity of 372 acre-feet and has a normal storage level of 71 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 22 acres.
While the dam has not been inspected recently and lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), its overall risk level is considered moderate. As a crucial component of the irrigation system in the region, Cooper-Adams #6 underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices and ongoing monitoring to ensure the safety and efficiency of water resource utilization in the area.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
13.3 |
River Or Stream |
BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Hydraulic Height |
8.1 |
Drainage Area |
85 |
Nid Storage |
372 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Cooper-Adams #6