Mees #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mees #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Hathaway, Montana, along the TR-Twelve Mile Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1949, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 18 feet and a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet, Mees #1 is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Situated in Rosebud County, Montana, Mees #1 has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. The dam has not been modified since its construction, and there are no associated structures or outlet gates. While the dam does not have an emergency action plan (EAP) in place, it meets state permitting and inspection requirements. With its primary purpose being fire protection and water storage, Mees #1 plays a vital role in managing water resources in the area and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities.

Despite its relatively modest size and capacity, Mees #1 serves as an important resource for the local ecosystem and contributes to the overall water management efforts in Montana. With its location in a congressional district represented by Greg Gianforte, this dam highlights the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and regulatory oversight in the state. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of structures like Mees #1 is crucial in addressing the challenges and opportunities of sustainable water management in the region.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

175

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-TWELVE MILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

68

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.