Three Pronged Fork Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ray Dolabriform
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Three Pronged Fork Dam, located in Loma, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1965.
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Summary
The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and providing a small fish pond. It has a dam height of 10 feet and a length of 100 feet, with a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 12 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the North Fork Dugout Coulee and is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Three Pronged Fork Dam is not currently rated for its condition assessment. It is equipped with outlet gates but does not have spillways or locks. The dam has not undergone any major modifications or inspections in recent years, and there is no emergency action plan (EAP) in place. The risk management measures and assessment for the dam are also not documented, indicating a need for further evaluation and planning to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Three Pronged Fork Dam presents an opportunity to study the management and regulation of small earth dams in Montana. The dam's location in Chouteau County provides valuable data on water storage and usage for agricultural and environmental purposes in the region. With its unique combination of uses, including fire protection and fish habitat creation, the dam offers insights into the diverse benefits that small dams can provide to local communities. Further research and monitoring of Three Pronged Fork Dam could contribute to a better understanding of the role of these structures in sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
NORTH FORK DUGOUT COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Marias River Near Chester Mt
|
249cfs |
Teton River Near Dutton Mt
|
83cfs |
Marias River Near Loma Mt
|
335cfs |
Lake Creek Near Power Mt
|
30cfs |
Missouri River At Fort Benton Mt
|
4720cfs |
Teton River At Loma Mt
|
30cfs |
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.
Three Pronged Fork Dam