Birkeland Reservoir Reservoir Report
Nearby: Chinamans Dinner Bramlette
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Birkeland Reservoir, located in Fort Benton, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1950.
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Summary
The reservoir serves various purposes, with a primary focus on water storage and management for the surrounding area. With a dam height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 156 acre-feet, Birkeland Reservoir plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing irrigation support to the local community.
Managed by the DNRC and regulated by the state of Montana, the reservoir has a low hazard potential and has not been officially rated for condition assessment. Despite its age, Birkeland Reservoir continues to operate effectively, with a maximum discharge capacity of 130 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 30 feet. While the reservoir has not undergone recent inspections, its overall risk management measures are in place to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure in case of emergencies.
Bird Coulee, the river or stream associated with Birkeland Reservoir, feeds into the reservoir and contributes to its drainage area of 6.25 square miles. The reservoir's location in Chouteau County, Montana, highlights its importance in water resource management for the region. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Birkeland Reservoir stands as a testament to effective collaboration between private ownership, state regulation, and federal design to support sustainable water resource practices in the area.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
BIRD COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
6.25 |
Nid Storage |
156 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Missouri River At Fort Benton Mt
|
4720cfs |
Missouri River Near Great Falls Mt
|
3530cfs |
Marias River Near Loma Mt
|
335cfs |
Teton River At Loma Mt
|
30cfs |
Lake Creek Near Power Mt
|
30cfs |
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.
Birkeland Reservoir