Black Out Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Black Out, a private dam located in Dagmar, Montana, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.


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Summary

Built in 1940, this earth dam stands at 15 feet high and stretches 250 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet. Situated in Sheridan County, Montana, this dam is regulated by the state regulatory agency DNRC, and has state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.

With a low hazard potential, Black Out dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified, it is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to stay informed about potential risks associated with the dam. The dam is not under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

For those interested in water resource management and climate resilience, Black Out dam presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of private ownership and state regulation in ensuring the safety and functionality of vital water infrastructure. The dam's location in a diffuse surface water area and its multiple uses underscore the importance of balancing water resource development with environmental conservation and community needs. Stay tuned for updates on Black Out dam's condition assessment and risk management measures to understand its role in the larger water resource and climate landscape.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

DIFFUSED SURFACE WATER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

67

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.