Stella #1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Stella #1, located in Golden Valley, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1966 by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Situated on the TR-Musselshell River, this dam has a height of 20 feet and a length of 75 feet, with a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet. Despite being regulated by the DNRC and undergoing state inspection, its hazard potential is rated as low with a condition assessment of "Not Rated".
This dam, with a normal storage capacity of 32 acre-feet, serves as a vital resource for water management within the area, contributing to the overall water security and environmental sustainability of the region. Its strategic location in CUSHMAN, Montana, underscores its importance in providing essential services such as fire protection and livestock watering. Additionally, its presence contributes to the conservation and enhancement of local aquatic ecosystems, ensuring the preservation of natural habitats and biodiversity.
Given its historical significance and ongoing relevance in water resource management, Stella #1 represents a critical component of the region's infrastructure. With its low hazard potential and state-regulated status, the dam serves as a model for sustainable water resource development and management. As a key feature on the TR-Musselshell River, this earth dam plays a crucial role in ensuring the availability and quality of water resources for the surrounding community, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in water infrastructure development.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
75 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MUSSELSHELL RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
1.88 |
Nid Storage |
62 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Stella #1