Samantha Reservoir Report
Nearby: Black Cat Cool Black Rock
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Samantha, a privately owned earth dam located in Loma, Montana, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1955, this structure stands at a height of 25 feet with a length of 200 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 82 acre-feet. Situated on the Black Coulee river, Samantha is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, ensuring state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement are all in place to maintain its functionality.
With a low hazard potential and currently assessed as "Not Rated" in terms of condition, Samantha remains a crucial asset for water resource management in the area. Although specific details on the dam's condition assessment, emergency action plan, and risk management measures are not available in the data, its significance in providing water storage for various purposes is evident. As an earth dam with a primary focus on fire protection and supporting local wildlife, Samantha stands as a testament to responsible water resource management in rural Montana.
Despite its age, Samantha continues to play a vital role in the community's water infrastructure, offering a reliable source of water for firefighting, livestock, and recreational purposes. With a capacity to hold 82 acre-feet of water and a history dating back to the 1950s, this structure on the Black Coulee river exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management practices. As climate change impacts water availability, structures like Samantha will be essential in ensuring the resilience of local ecosystems and communities in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
BLACK COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
82 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Marias River Near Chester Mt
|
253cfs |
Marias River Near Loma Mt
|
335cfs |
Missouri River At Virgelle Mt
|
4460cfs |
Teton River At Loma Mt
|
41cfs |
Big Sandy Creek Near Havre Mt
|
6cfs |
Missouri River At Fort Benton Mt
|
4220cfs |
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.
Samantha