Essinger Reservoir Reservoir Report
Nearby: Harvard Mathilda #1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Essinger Reservoir, located in McCone, Montana, is a private water resource with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1936, this Earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 71 acre-feet. The reservoir is situated on Cotter Creek and covers a surface area of 300 feet, providing essential water storage for the local community of Brockway.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Essinger Reservoir is inspected, regulated, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and compliance with water resource management guidelines. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, this reservoir serves as a critical infrastructure for water supply, livestock, and fire protection in the region. While the emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment details are pending, Essinger Reservoir remains a vital asset for the sustainable use of water resources in the area.
Despite its age, Essinger Reservoir continues to play a crucial role in water management and climate resilience in Montana. With a maximum storage capacity of 71 acre-feet and a normal storage of 24 acre-feet, this reservoir offers a reliable source of water for various purposes. As climate change impacts water availability, the efficient management and upkeep of Essinger Reservoir are essential for ensuring a sustainable water supply for the local community and addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
COTTER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
71 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
1cfs |
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Missouri River Near Wolf Point Mt
|
5020cfs |
Yellowstone River At Glendive Mt
|
6000cfs |
Milk River At Nashua Mt
|
233cfs |
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.
Essinger Reservoir