Dry Coulee Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: #5 Dam Yellow Sarpy
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Dry Coulee Dam, located in Big Horn, Montana, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and resource management.
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Summary
Completed in 1974, this private-owned Earth dam spans 500 feet in length and reaches a height of 30 feet, with a storage capacity of 158 acre-feet. Situated on the Middle Fork Sarpy Creek, this dam serves a primary purpose that goes beyond traditional water resource management, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Dry Coulee Dam is subject to state regulations and inspections, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential, this dam contributes to the overall water management strategies in the region while minimizing risks to nearby communities and ecosystems. Despite being not rated in terms of condition assessment, the dam's presence underscores the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance to uphold its functionality for future generations.
As part of the larger water infrastructure network in Montana, Dry Coulee Dam plays a crucial role in flood control, irrigation, and habitat preservation. The dam's strategic location, in the Congressional District 00, Montana, underscores the interconnectedness of water resources and climate management. With an emphasis on sustainability and responsible ownership, Dry Coulee Dam serves as a beacon for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the potential for innovative solutions in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
MIDDLE FORK SARPY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
158 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Dry Coulee Dam