Mesaros Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mesaros, located in Cascade, Montana, is a privately owned dam built in 1958 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 30 feet and a length of 415 feet, Mesaros stands as a vital structure on TR-SPRING WILLOW CREEK, serving the community of Great Falls. The dam has a storage capacity of 257 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for various needs.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Mesaros is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not rated for condition assessment, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management in the region. With its strategic location and purposeful design, Mesaros serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between water resources and climate resilience.

As an integral part of the local infrastructure, Mesaros contributes to the overall water security and environmental sustainability of the area. Its proximity to the Walla Walla District and Congressional District 00 in Montana highlights its significance in water management efforts. With ongoing monitoring and regulatory oversight, Mesaros stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and investing in water infrastructure for the benefit of communities and ecosystems in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

415

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-SPRING WILLOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

257

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.