Skoyen Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Skoyen is a privately owned water resource located in Chinook, Montana, along the N Chinook Irrigation Canal.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1958, this earth dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 152 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 64 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential, Skoyen is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

Located in Blaine County, Skoyen covers a surface area of 150 feet and plays a crucial role in providing water for various uses in the region. The dam's primary purpose of fire protection highlights its importance in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential wildfires. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, Skoyen remains a vital asset for water resource management in the region. With its strategic location and low hazard potential, Skoyen serves as a key infrastructure for water supply and environmental conservation efforts in the area.

As a significant water resource managed by a private entity, Skoyen contributes to the overall water management strategy in Montana. Its presence along the N Chinook Irrigation Canal ensures a reliable supply for stock watering and fire protection, while also offering recreational opportunities such as small fish ponds. With state jurisdiction and regulatory oversight by the DNRC, Skoyen is well-maintained and adheres to state permitting and inspection requirements. Its role in water storage and management underscores the importance of sustainable practices in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water demands.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

N CHINOOK IRRIGATION CANAL

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

152

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.