Stanley Steamer Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Stanley Steamer, located in Chinook, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1965 by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

This structure, regulated by the state agency DNRC, stands at 12 feet in height and spans 150 feet in length. With a maximum storage capacity of 101 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.19 square miles, Stanley Steamer plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.

Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, Stanley Steamer's importance in providing water for various purposes cannot be understated. The dam's location along TR-LODGE CREEK in Hill County, Montana, adds to its significance in the region. Maintaining the dam's integrity through regular state inspections and enforcement measures is essential to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community and wildlife.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the intricacies of Stanley Steamer's design and operational details offer valuable insights into the management of water resources in Montana. With its state-regulated status, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for fire protection, livestock, and small fish pond purposes, highlighting the intersection of water management, environmental conservation, and community needs in the region. Understanding and appreciating the role of structures like Stanley Steamer is key to advancing sustainable water resource practices in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR-LODGE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

2.19

Nid Storage

101

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.