Southerland Lacosta Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gliblet Lacosta Sand Creek Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Southerland Lacosta, located in Garfield County, Montana, is a private earth dam completed in 1957 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
This dam, with a height of 21 feet and a storage capacity of 225 acre-feet, serves the local community in Van Norman by providing essential water resources for various needs. Managed by DNRC and regulated by the state, Southerland Lacosta ensures water security and environmental sustainability in the area.
Despite being categorized as low-hazard, Southerland Lacosta plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. With a normal storage capacity of 109 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 225 acre-feet, this dam contributes to mitigating potential risks and ensuring water availability for agricultural, recreational, and emergency purposes. Furthermore, its strategic location along the Southerland Coulee underscores its significance in the overall water resource infrastructure of the area.
As a testament to its importance, Southerland Lacosta is inspected, permitted, and regulated by the state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. Its primary purpose of fire protection underscores the critical role it plays in safeguarding the community against potential disasters. With its historical significance dating back to 1957, this private earth dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing water resources for multiple beneficial uses while prioritizing environmental conservation and sustainability.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
325 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTHERLAND COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
225 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Southerland Lacosta