Dunlap Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Dunlap, located in Richland County, Montana, is a privately owned dam designed by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. The dam regulates Dunlap Creek and covers a drainage area of 4.41 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 400 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, Dunlap has not been rated for its current condition. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, and its last inspection date is unknown. Although it meets state jurisdiction and regulatory standards, it lacks certain emergency preparedness and risk assessment measures. The dam's spillway width is 40 feet, ensuring proper water release during high flow events.

Dunlap serves as a vital resource for the local community in Crane, Montana, providing essential water storage for fire protection and livestock use. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, ensuring the dam's safety and maintenance is crucial for sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

DUNLAP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

4.41

Nid Storage

53

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.