#5 Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dry Coulee Dam Forgotton
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
#5 Dam, located on Kuehn Coulee in Big Horn, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1980 with a height of 36 feet and a hydraulic height of 30 feet.
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Summary
With a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet, the dam serves multiple purposes beyond water storage. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition has not been rated, and there is no recent inspection data available.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), #5 Dam is regulated at the state level and is subject to inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements. The dam's primary purpose is listed as "Other," indicating its versatility in supporting various water resource management activities. Its location in a rural area with limited surface area suggests a relatively low impact on the surrounding environment.
Although there is limited information available on the dam's condition assessment, emergency action plan, and risk management measures, #5 Dam remains an important part of the local water infrastructure in Montana. Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate change may find this dam's unique characteristics and regulatory framework intriguing for further exploration and study.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
KUEHN COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
36 |
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.
#5 Dam