Homesteaders Settlement Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Homesteaders Settlement, also known as Upper Sag, is a privately owned settlement located in Chouteau, Montana.


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Summary

This settlement, completed in 1960, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. The dam at Homesteaders Settlement is an earth dam standing at 30 feet tall and spanning 150 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 166 acre-feet.

The dam at Homesteaders Settlement plays a crucial role in providing fire protection and water resources for the surrounding area. With a significant hazard potential, this dam requires regular state inspection, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safe operation. Despite its importance, the condition assessment of the dam is currently rated as "Not Rated", highlighting the need for further evaluation and maintenance to safeguard its structural integrity and functionality.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Homesteaders Settlement offers a fascinating look into the intersection of human settlement and water management in Montana. As a key feature in the local landscape, this earth dam serves as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early homesteaders in harnessing natural resources for their livelihood. Its historical significance and ongoing impact on the surrounding ecosystem make it a valuable site for further study and conservation efforts in the realm of water resource management and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

HOMESTEAD COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

166

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.