Hilstad Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mothershead, R. Quick, Floyd #1
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Hilstad, located in McCone County, Montana, is a privately owned water structure designed by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1952, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 176 acre-feet. Situated on McCune Creek, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and provides essential benefits to the local community.
Managed by the DNRC and regulated by the state of Montana, Hilstad is inspected, permitted, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," this dam continues to serve its primary purposes effectively. While it may not have undergone recent inspections or assessments, Hilstad remains an integral piece of infrastructure in the region, contributing to water conservation efforts and environmental sustainability.
As a key component in the Omaha District's water infrastructure, Hilstad serves as a testament to collaborative efforts between federal, state, and private entities in managing water resources. With a focus on safety and efficiency, this dam exemplifies the importance of proper maintenance and oversight in ensuring the long-term viability of our water systems. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hilstad represents a case study in sustainable water management practices and the crucial role of dams in supporting various community needs.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
MCCUNE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
22.41 |
Nid Storage |
176 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Hilstad