Van #2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Alexander Hensleigh #2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Van #2 is a privately owned dam located in Garfield, Montana, near the city of Van Norman.
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Summary
Built in 1940 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 600 feet along Vail Creek. The primary purpose of Van #2 is for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 344 acre-feet.
This significant dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Despite being classified as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, Van #2 poses a hazard potential that requires attention. Emergency action plans, risk assessments, and inundation maps are currently not prepared, indicating a need for further risk management measures and guidelines to be put in place for this structure.
The congressman representing the area where Van #2 is located is Greg Gianforte (R), and the dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With its historical significance and critical role in water resource management, Van #2 serves as a vital component of the local ecosystem and highlights the importance of proper maintenance and regulation in safeguarding water resources in Montana.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
VAIL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
344 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Van #2