Vaux #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Vaux #2 Sportman Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Vaux #1, located in Sidney, Montana, is a privately-owned earth dam completed in 1960 for the primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 34 feet and has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, serving the Lone Tree Creek drainage area. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Vaux #1 has not undergone recent inspection or maintenance, last inspected in August 1995.
Although the dam has not been rated for its condition, it is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 4000 cubic feet per second, making it a crucial structure for managing water resources in the area. While the dam's emergency action plan and risk assessment details are not available, its low hazard potential indicates a relatively low level of risk associated with potential failure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Vaux #1 serves as an interesting case study in irrigation infrastructure and management in the state of Montana.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
LONE TREE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
5 |
Drainage Area |
83 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
34 |
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.
Vaux #1