Mrlca #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buckin'horse Pr-71 Retention Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Mrlca #1 is a private earth dam located in Phillips County, Montana, specifically in the city of Malta along the TR-BLACK COULEE river or stream.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Constructed in 1930 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond. With a dam height of 15 feet and a length of 400 feet, Mrlca #1 has a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.34 square miles.
Managed by the DNRC, Mrlca #1 has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Although the dam has not been inspected recently, it is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the state of Montana. The dam features a spillway width of 10 feet and is situated in Congressional District 00, represented by Greg Gianforte. Overall, Mrlca #1 is a vital water resource infrastructure that plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mrlca #1 offers a fascinating case study of a historic earth dam that continues to provide essential services for the community. With its unique location and purpose, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and management to ensure water security and safety. As climate change impacts water resources, understanding and monitoring dams like Mrlca #1 becomes even more critical to adapt to changing conditions and mitigate potential risks.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACK COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
0.34 |
Nid Storage |
78 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
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.
Mrlca #1