Gordon Cattle Company #3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Silver Swan Br-57
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Gordon Cattle Company #3 is a privately owned water resource located in Chinook, Montana, specifically on Ivans Coulee.
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Summary
Completed in 1945, this earth dam stands at 30 feet high and spans 200 feet in length, providing essential functions for fire protection, livestock, and small fish pond purposes. With a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet, this low-hazard dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Situated in Blaine County, Montana, Gordon Cattle Company #3 is a vital water resource managed by private owners to support their agricultural operations. The dam's location in a rural area highlights the importance of water management for sustaining livestock and protecting against potential fire hazards. Despite being classified as low-hazard and not rated in condition assessment, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water security for the surrounding community and enhancing the resilience of the local ecosystem.
With the dam's primary purpose identified as fire protection, livestock, and small fish pond, Gordon Cattle Company #3 serves as a multifunctional infrastructure contributing to the overall water and climate resilience of the region. Its completion in 1945 reflects a long-standing commitment to sustainable water management practices, and ongoing regulatory oversight ensures that the dam continues to fulfill its intended purposes effectively. As climate change impacts water resources, investments in maintaining and improving infrastructure like Gordon Cattle Company #3 are critical for adapting to changing environmental conditions and ensuring water security for future generations.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
IVANS COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Battle Creek Near Chinook Mt
|
12cfs |
Milk River Near Harlem Mt
|
69cfs |
Clear Creek Near Chinook Mt
|
21cfs |
Milk River At Havre Mt
|
29cfs |
Milk River Near Dodson Mt
|
68cfs |
Peoples Creek Near Hays Mt
|
4cfs |
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.
Gordon Cattle Company #3