Vassaus #5 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Vassaus #4 Sand #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Vassaus #5 is a private earth dam located in Rosebud, Montana, along Dry Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1945, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a height of 16 feet and a length of 275 feet, it has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a normal storage of 64 acre-feet. Although the dam has a low hazard potential, its condition has not been rated.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Vassaus #5 is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement. While the dam has not been assessed for its condition, there are no current risk management measures in place. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources for fire protection and livestock in the surrounding area. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Vassaus #5's structure and purpose a fascinating subject for further study and monitoring.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
275 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
DRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Vassaus #5