Chip Dipper Reservoir Report

Nearby: Jappe Moes

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chip Dipper is a private earth dam located in Montana, specifically in the city of Iliad, Chouteau County.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1956, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a height of 20 feet and a length of 50 feet, Chip Dipper has a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 51 acre-feet.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Chip Dipper is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated." The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures are also not available at this time.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chip Dipper is an intriguing structure with a unique history and purpose. Situated along Chip Creek, this private earth dam plays a crucial role in providing fire protection, stock water, and a habitat for small fish. With its state-regulated status and low hazard potential, Chip Dipper offers an interesting case study in dam management and maintenance in Montana's picturesque landscape.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

50

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

CHIP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

51

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.