Walden Reservoir Report
Nearby: Echo Reservoir Delmar
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Walden is a state-owned earth dam located in Liberty, Montana, along the Tiber Coulee river.
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Summary
Built in 1937 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 750 feet, Walden has a storage capacity of 356 acre-feet, making it an essential water resource for the surrounding area. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway to manage excess water flow.
Despite its age, Walden has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. It has not been rated for condition assessment, but is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies. The dam's location in Loma, Montana, within Congressional District 00, is overseen by the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Water enthusiasts interested in climate resiliency and water resource management will find Walden a fascinating case study of a historic dam that continues to play a crucial role in its community's water supply and ecosystem management.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TIBER COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
21.75 |
Nid Storage |
356 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Marias River Near Chester Mt
|
245cfs |
Marias River Near Shelby Mt
|
4790cfs |
Marias River Near Loma Mt
|
335cfs |
Milk River At Eastern Crossing Of Int Bndry
|
4cfs |
Teton River At Loma Mt
|
154cfs |
Teton River Near Dutton Mt
|
83cfs |
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.
Walden