Pintail Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Scoup Dam One D-4 Ranch
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Pintail Dam, located in Carter, Montana, is a gravity dam completed in 2003 with a height of 22 feet and a hydraulic height of 16 feet.
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Summary
Owned and operated by the Bureau of Land Management, the dam has a storage capacity of 301.66 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 30.94 acres. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Pintail Dam serves as a key water resource structure in the region.
While the dam does not have a designated primary purpose or specific spillway type, it plays a vital role in managing water resources in Montana. Despite not being regulated by the state, Pintail Dam undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in July 2020. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment information are not currently available, but its location and design highlight its importance in water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in the area.
As a federal infrastructure project designed and constructed by the Bureau of Land Management, Pintail Dam exemplifies the ongoing efforts to enhance water storage and management capabilities in the region. With its strategic location and modest height, the dam contributes to the overall resilience of the local water supply system and underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
2003 |
Dam Length |
806 |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
30.94 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
301.66 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Pintail Dam