Mrcla #5 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Fisher Dam Alkali Detention Dam
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Mrcla #5 is a privately owned earth dam located in Valley County, Montana, near the city of Malta.
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Summary
Built in 1935, the dam stands at a height of 12 feet and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 89 acre-feet, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Mrcla #5 is regulated by the state and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam is situated on TR-Tin Roof Coulee, within the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite not being federally owned or funded, Mrcla #5 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, providing essential services for both wildlife and livestock.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and functional versatility of Mrcla #5, as it continues to serve its intended purposes nearly a century after its construction. With its strategic location and low risk profile, this earth dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water infrastructure for both ecological conservation and human needs in rural Montana.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR-TIN ROOF COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
89 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Mrcla #5