Voorhees Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Voorhees is a private water resource structure located in Richland County, Montana, near the city of Poplar.


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Summary

Constructed in 1969 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond. With a height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 268 acre-feet, Voorhees plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Situated on the TR-Missouri River, Voorhees is regulated by the DNRC and subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment details remain unclear. With a spillway width of 30 feet and a drainage area of 5 square miles, Voorhees is a key asset for water management in the area, providing essential services while facing potential risks that need further evaluation and management.

As a significant structure in Montana's water infrastructure, Voorhees stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring water resources in the face of climate change and increasing demands. With its multiple purposes and state-regulated status, this dam serves as a valuable asset for fire protection, livestock, and recreational activities, highlighting the intersection of water resource management and environmental stewardship in the region.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

3960

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-MISSOURI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

268

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.