Benes Bank Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brunton Robert Bold #2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Benes Bank is a privately owned earth dam located in Fergus County, Montana, along the Cutbank Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1960, the dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 193 acre-feet, primarily used for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with regular state inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
Situated in a remote area with no specific city designation, Benes Bank serves as a vital water resource for the local community, providing essential storage for firefighting efforts and livestock management. The dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated," but with state jurisdiction, permitting, and inspection protocols in place, its functionality and safety are regularly monitored. With its strategic location and purposeful design, Benes Bank stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resiliency in rural Montana, ensuring reliable water access for various needs in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the significance of Benes Bank lies in its contribution to local water security and environmental sustainability. With a focus on fire protection, livestock support, and small-scale fisheries, the dam plays a crucial role in enhancing community resilience and ensuring water availability for multiple purposes. While its hazard potential is deemed low, the proactive regulatory measures and state oversight demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the dam's integrity and safeguarding its operations for the benefit of both human and ecological systems in the surrounding area.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CUTBANK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
193 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Judith River Nr Mouth
|
368cfs |
Missouri River Near Landusky Mt
|
9100cfs |
Peoples Creek Near Hays Mt
|
4cfs |
Missouri River At Virgelle Mt
|
4290cfs |
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.
Benes Bank