Walker #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Walker #1 is a privately owned dam located in Melstone, Montana, along the TR-Musselshell River.


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Summary

Built in 1960 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 110 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement procedures to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Situated in Musselshell County, Walker #1 serves as a vital water resource for the local community, providing necessary water storage for fire protection and agricultural purposes. With a condition assessment of "Not Rated" and no reported modifications or hazard concerns, the dam poses minimal risk to the surrounding area. Even though the dam does not have an emergency action plan (EAP) in place or updated inundation maps, its low hazard potential and regular state oversight contribute to its overall safety and reliability for water resource management in the region.

As an integral part of the local water infrastructure, Walker #1 plays a crucial role in maintaining water security and availability for residents in Melstone and beyond. With its regulated status and state oversight, the dam ensures proper water management and storage, highlighting the importance of responsible stewardship of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions. Enthusiasts and professionals in the water resource and climate sectors can appreciate the significance of Walker #1 in supporting sustainable water usage and resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

110

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

TR-MUSSELSHELL RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

144

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.