California Coulee Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

California Coulee, located in Hill, Montana, near HAVRE, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1955 for flood risk reduction along Fresno Coulee.


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Summary

This structure stands at 22 feet high and 225 feet long, with a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with state-regulated permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a low hazard potential and a "Not Rated" condition assessment, California Coulee serves as a vital element in managing flood risks in the region. It is designed to provide protection to the surrounding area by controlling the flow of water and reducing the potential for damage during flood events. The dam meets state guidelines and regulations, with regular inspections and emergency action plans in place to ensure preparedness for any unforeseen events.

California Coulee, part of the Omaha District under Congressional Representative Greg Gianforte, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community from potential flooding. Its strategic location and design contribute to the overall water resource management efforts in the region, highlighting the importance of responsible infrastructure development and maintenance in mitigating climate-related risks.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

FRESNO COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

108

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.