Montana #32 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Montana #32 is a state-regulated earth dam located in Musselshell County, Montana, near the city of Melstone.


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Summary

Built in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. With a height of 8 feet and a length of 220 feet, Montana #32 has a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.88 square miles.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 70 feet and a maximum discharge of 800 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the risk assessment for Montana #32 is rated as moderate (3). The dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated," with no recent inspection data available. While there is no Emergency Action Plan prepared for this structure, the state agency responsible for regulation, inspection, and enforcement is the DNRC.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the unique design and multiple uses of Montana #32, as well as the important role it plays in local water management and conservation efforts. Its location in the picturesque Montana landscape adds to its appeal, making it a valuable asset for the surrounding community and ecosystem.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

220

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

TR-MCLEAN COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

1.88

Nid Storage

84

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.