Summary
Built in 1956, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and maintaining a small fish pond. With a height of 10 feet and a length of 100 feet, Pet Rock has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 18 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its integrity.
Situated on TR-Cow Creek, Pet Rock has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. While the dam does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or updated inundation maps, it meets state regulatory requirements for inspection, maintenance, and enforcement. The dam is not operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers and has not undergone any significant modifications since its completion. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pet Rock serves as a notable example of a privately owned dam providing essential services in a rural Montana community.
In the event of an emergency, the absence of an EAP and inundation maps may pose challenges for local authorities and residents in developing evacuation plans and assessing potential risks. It is important for the dam owners and regulatory agencies to prioritize the completion of an EAP, regular inspections, and risk assessments to ensure the safety and functionality of Pet Rock for both its intended purposes and the surrounding environment. For those interested in water resource management and climate resilience, monitoring the maintenance and regulatory oversight of dams like Pet Rock can provide valuable insights into the intersection of infrastructure, natural resources, and community safety.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
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.
Pet Rock