Voldseth East Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Voldseth East Dam, located in Martinsdale, Montana, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1939, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a storage capacity of 1,925 acre-feet. Situated on the South Fork of the Musselshell River, the dam covers a surface area of 108 acres and serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area.

With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Voldseth East Dam undergoes regular inspections by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway type and features a valve outlet gate for water release. Despite being privately owned, the state jurisdiction and regulatory agencies are involved in permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes, highlighting the importance of compliance with safety standards and regulations to mitigate risks associated with the dam.

As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Voldseth East Dam plays a crucial role in water management and agricultural activities in Meagher County, Montana. With its moderate risk assessment rating and proximity to the South Fork of the Musselshell River, the dam serves as a vital resource for ensuring water supply and irrigation for the surrounding community, while also highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to address any potential hazards and ensure the safety of the structure.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

1150

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH FORK MUSSELSHEEL RI.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

108

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

1925

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.