Little Phantom Reservoir Report
Nearby: Phantom Coulee Reservoir Deuteronomy
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Little Phantom is a privately owned earth dam located in the picturesque Phantom Coulee in Montana.
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Summary
Built in 1935, the dam stands at a height of 10 feet with a length of 200 feet, providing fire protection, stock water, and a small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet, it serves as a crucial water resource in the Chouteau County area.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Little Phantom is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and compliance with state jurisdiction. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam is deemed to have a significant hazard potential. The emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures for the dam remain unclear, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks.
Water and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and functional purposes of Little Phantom, while also recognizing the importance of proper management and oversight to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital water resource. As part of the Omaha District under the US Army Corps of Engineers, Little Phantom serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between human activities, water resources, and environmental stewardship in the region.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
PHANTOM COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Judith River Nr Mouth
|
368cfs |
Missouri River At Virgelle Mt
|
4820cfs |
Missouri River At Fort Benton Mt
|
4720cfs |
Teton River At Loma Mt
|
30cfs |
Marias River Near Loma Mt
|
335cfs |
Missouri River Near Great Falls Mt
|
3620cfs |
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.
Little Phantom