Wolery Waters Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sweet Adeline Wolery Fish Pond
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Wolery Waters in Montana is a privately owned irrigation dam completed in 1945, standing at 15 feet tall and stretching 360 feet across.
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Summary
Located in GILDFORD, Hill County, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation and boasts a storage capacity of 138 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
Despite its age, Wolery Waters has not been rated for its condition, and its emergency action plan (EAP) status remains unknown. With no recent inspection date available, the risk assessment and management measures for the dam are unclear. Furthermore, there is no information on whether the EAP meets guidelines or if inundation maps have been prepared for the area. The lack of updated data on emergency contacts and the last EAP revision date raises concerns about the readiness and safety of the dam in case of an emergency.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Wolery Waters presents an intriguing case study of a historic irrigation dam in need of updated safety assessments and emergency preparedness. The significant hazard potential of the dam, coupled with the lack of recent inspections and assessments, highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance for aging infrastructure. With its location in the heart of Montana, this dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that proper regulation and oversight play in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
138 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Wolery Waters