Waters #5 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brown Bear Waters Dam #1
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Waters #5 is a private dam located in Poplar, Montana, along the TR-Redwater River.
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Summary
Built in 1907 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 800 feet. The dam's primary purpose is for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond use, with a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet. Despite being regulated by the Montana DNRC and meeting state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements, its hazard potential is rated as low.
Situated in McCone County, Waters #5 serves as a vital resource for the surrounding area, with a drainage area of 1.41 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 200 cubic feet per second. The dam's spillway width is 20 feet, although details on associated structures, inspection frequency, and condition assessment are currently unavailable. While the dam's condition is noted as "Not Rated," it remains essential for fire protection and livestock management in the region, highlighting the significance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates monitor the impact of climate change on water infrastructure, Waters #5 stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and regulating dams for multiple purposes, including fire protection and stock utilization. With its low hazard potential and state-regulated status, this private dam in Montana underscores the ongoing efforts to balance water resource management with environmental conservation in a changing climate landscape.
Year Completed |
1907 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REDWATER RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
1.41 |
Nid Storage |
57 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Waters #5