Circut Breaker Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Circut Breaker is a privately owned earth dam located on TR-Eagle Creek in Chouteau, Montana.


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Summary

Built in 1920, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a dam height of 10 feet and a length of 300 feet, Circut Breaker has a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet and a low hazard potential.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) in Montana, Circut Breaker is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. Although the dam's condition is currently not rated, it meets state jurisdiction and regulatory requirements for operation and safety. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps are not available, but it is categorized as having low hazard potential.

Located in Congressional District 00, Montana, Circut Breaker is part of the Omaha District of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Despite being privately owned, the dam does not receive federal funding or oversight. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Circut Breaker an interesting structure that has stood the test of time since the early 20th century, contributing to local water management and conservation efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

TR-EAGLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

98

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.