Brown Cow Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bugs Detention Dam Hunter (Valley)
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Brown Cow Dam, located in Valley, Montana, is a gravity dam managed by the Bureau of Land Management with a height of 18 feet and a hydraulic height of 11 feet.
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Summary
This dam, completed by an unknown designer, has a storage capacity of 60.78 acre-feet and serves as an intermittent stream in the area. Despite being classified as low hazard potential, Brown Cow Dam has not been rated for its condition and was last inspected in August 2016 with an inspection frequency of 5 years.
The dam, with a length of 422 feet and a surface area of 9.8 acres, plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Being a federal project under the DOI BLM, Brown Cow Dam is important for its contribution to the local ecosystem and water supply. While it does not fall under state jurisdiction, the dam's structure and operation are overseen by the Bureau of Land Management, ensuring its safety and functionality for the surrounding community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Brown Cow Dam offers a fascinating study in dam engineering and management practices. With its unique design elements and federal ownership, this gravity dam serves as a valuable asset for understanding the intersection of water infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and regulatory oversight. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the role of dams like Brown Cow Dam in mitigating risks and ensuring water security becomes increasingly significant, making it an intriguing subject for further exploration and research.
Dam Length |
422 |
River Or Stream |
Intermittent |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
9.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
11 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
60.78 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Brown Cow Dam