Veseth Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Veseth Reservoir, located in Saco, Montana, is a private-owned dam built in 1925 primarily for irrigation purposes along the Seven Mile Creek.


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Summary

The reservoir has a storage capacity of 5865 acre-feet, with a dam height of 30 feet and a length of 1200 feet. Despite not being federally owned, the reservoir is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of state regulations.

With its significant hazard potential, Veseth Reservoir poses a vital resource for water management in the region. The dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for storing water for irrigation purposes, supporting local agriculture and sustaining the surrounding ecosystem. Its location in Phillips County, Montana, within the Omaha District, highlights its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.

As an earth dam with a long history of service, Veseth Reservoir showcases the intersection of water resource management, climate adaptation, and agricultural sustainability. Its strategic location, storage capacity, and state-regulated operations make it a key player in ensuring water security and resilience in the region. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts alike can appreciate the role of Veseth Reservoir in addressing the challenges of water management in a changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

SEVEN MILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

5865

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.