Balsam #3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cattle Dam Mitvalsky #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Balsam #3 is a privately owned earth dam located in Mizpah, Montana, along the TR-Mason Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1945, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 200 feet, Balsam #3 has a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 39 acre-feet.
Despite its low hazard potential, Balsam #3 is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and there is no emergency action plan (EAP) in place as of the last update in April 2022. With its location in Custer County, Montana, Balsam #3 provides essential water resource management for the surrounding area and contributes to the overall climate resilience of the region.
As a critical infrastructure for water management in the area, Balsam #3 plays a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring the availability of water resources for various uses. With its historical significance and continued operation, this dam symbolizes the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing environmental conditions. Despite its age, Balsam #3 remains a vital asset for the community and serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for effective water resource and climate adaptation strategies.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MASON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Balsam #3