Dog Star Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dog Star is a privately-owned earth dam in Chouteau, Montana, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond support.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1962, this dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 187 acre-feet. Located in the TR-Dugout Coulee, Dog Star serves as a critical water resource for the surrounding area, with a low hazard potential and state-regulated oversight by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).

This dam, situated in a rural area near Loma, Montana, plays a vital role in supporting the local ecosystem and providing water for both agricultural and recreational purposes. With a history dating back to the 1960s, Dog Star continues to be inspected, regulated, and maintained by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and continued functionality. Its location within the Omaha District and Congressional District 00, Montana, highlights its significance within the broader water resource management framework in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the sustainable practices and regulatory oversight in place for Dog Star, ensuring its continued operation and contribution to the local community. As a key source of water for fire protection, livestock, and recreational activities, this dam exemplifies the importance of maintaining and managing water resources in an environmentally responsible manner. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability, Dog Star stands as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and natural resource management in the context of changing climate patterns and water scarcity concerns.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-DUGOUT COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

187

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.