Lucas #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lucas #3 is a private earth dam located in Meagher County, Montana, near the city of Ringling.


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Summary

Built in 1941, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. The dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 33 acre-feet. It is situated on the TR-Sixteenmile Creek and is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).

Despite its low hazard potential, Lucas #3 has not been rated for its condition assessment and lacks documentation for emergency action plans and risk assessments. The dam's inspection frequency, emergency contacts, and inundation maps are also not up to date. It is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to advocate for proper maintenance and monitoring of Lucas #3 to ensure public safety and the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem. By addressing these gaps in infrastructure and planning, stakeholders can help mitigate potential risks and safeguard the integrity of this vital water resource in Montana.

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-SIXTEENMILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

57

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.