Larso Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Larso is a privately owned dam located in Garfield, Montana, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock watering, and serving as a small fish pond.


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Summary

Completed in 1959, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 162 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Taylor Creek, Larso serves as a vital water resource in the region, regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).

With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Larso plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability for various uses while maintaining safety standards. Although not federally owned or funded, Larso is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. Owned by a private entity, this dam underscores the importance of private water management in the sustainability of water resources in the area.

Despite its relatively small size, Larso serves as a key infrastructure for water management in Montana, providing essential services for fire protection, stock watering, and recreational purposes. With its earth dam structure and a storage capacity of 162 acre-feet, Larso contributes to the overall water management system in the region. As a state-regulated facility, Larso is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures to guarantee its continued functionality and safety for all water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-TAYLOR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

162

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.