Pluto Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pluto is a privately-owned Earth dam located in Chouteau, Montana, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-SPRING COULEE river or stream, Pluto serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area, with a low hazard potential and a state-regulated status.

Managed by the DNRC in Montana, Pluto is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring the safety and integrity of the dam. Although the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, its emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are yet to be determined. As a key infrastructure for water management in the region, Pluto plays a vital role in providing essential services for fire protection, livestock, and recreational activities, reflecting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR-SPRING COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

145

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.