Vielleux Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Vielleux, Joe is a private earth dam located in Loma, Montana, along the Dry Fork Coulee river.


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Summary

Constructed in 1961 by the USDA NRCS, this recreational dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 567 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 101 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, Vielleux, Joe is regulated and inspected by the Montana Department of Natural Resources Conservation (DNRC), ensuring its safety and compliance with state permitting and enforcement regulations.

This dam is managed primarily for recreational purposes and is under the jurisdiction of the state, with a moderate risk rating of 3. Although the condition of Vielleux, Joe is currently not rated, it meets state guidelines and has not undergone any emergency action planning or risk assessment measures as of yet. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 30 feet, and it is located in Congressional District 00, Montana, under the representation of Greg Gianforte (R). Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Vielleux, Joe an intriguing case study in dam management and the intersection of environmental conservation and recreational activities in the state of Montana.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

567

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

DRY FORK COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

5.63

Nid Storage

101

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.