W B Black Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mitchell One Tuttle
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
W B Black, located in Malta, Montana, is a private earth dam completed in 1930 with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, or a small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam has a height of 10 feet and a length of 200 feet, with a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet. Situated on Halfway Coulee, this structure is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state agency. Despite its low hazard potential, the condition of W B Black is currently not rated, and there is no available information on emergency action plans or risk assessment.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by W B Black's historical significance as a fire protection and irrigation structure in Phillips County, Montana. The dam, owned by a private entity, serves multiple purposes, including supporting livestock and providing water for small-scale fisheries. The site lies within Congressional District 00, represented by Greg Gianforte (R), and is under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With a capacity of 67 acre-feet and a drainage area associated with Halfway Coulee, W B Black plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.
Although W B Black has a low hazard potential, its current condition assessment and emergency preparedness are not rated or documented, raising questions about its long-term safety and maintenance. The dam, with its earth construction and limited height, presents an interesting case study for water resource management and climate resilience. As climate change impacts water availability and infrastructure integrity, understanding the state of structures like W B Black is crucial for ensuring the sustainable use of water resources in Montana and beyond.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
HALFWAY COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
67 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
W B Black