Orcutt Ranch Company Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Orcutt Ranch Company is a privately owned water resource infrastructure located in Pondera County, Montana.


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Summary

The dam was completed in 1948 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond creation. Situated on TR-Fowler Coulee, the dam is regulated and permitted by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is inspected and enforced by state authorities.

With a dam height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet, Orcutt Ranch Company's dam has a low hazard potential and is not currently rated for its condition. The structure is designed as an earth dam and spans a length of 1320 feet. The location, in S4 28N 1E, is monitored for any potential risks, although no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared as of yet. The dam's primary purpose of fire protection and stock watering highlights its importance for sustaining local agriculture and protecting against wildfires in the region.

Overall, Orcutt Ranch Company plays a vital role in maintaining water resources for agricultural and fire protection purposes in the Loma area. With its state-regulated status and low hazard potential, the dam provides essential services while also being subject to regular inspections and oversight to ensure its safe operation for the community.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

1320

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-FOWLER COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

62

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.