Hunky Dorie Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hillkleberry Coulee Swan Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Hunky Dorie, also known as Home Place, is a private earth dam located in Toole County, Montana, near the city of Shelby.
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Summary
Built in 1920, this dam serves the primary purposes of fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 15 feet and a length of 375 feet, Hunky Dorie provides a storage capacity of 124 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 63 acre-feet.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Hunky Dorie is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safe operation. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The dam is situated on Buckley Coulee, a tributary of the Missouri River, and plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hunky Dorie represents a historic and functional piece of infrastructure that contributes to fire protection and agricultural activities in the area. As part of the broader water management system in Toole County, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource practices and the need for continued oversight and infrastructure investment to ensure the safety and reliability of such structures in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
BUCKLEY COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
124 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Hunky Dorie