Aries Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Aries is a privately owned dam located in Judith Basin, Montana, specifically in the city of Ross Fork.
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Summary
Completed in 1960, Aries serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond. With a dam height of 15 feet and a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet, Aries is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Situated on Olsen Creek, Aries has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. The dam is primarily made of earth materials and spans a length of 150 feet, with a normal storage capacity of 22 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, Aries plays a crucial role in providing water for fire protection and livestock in the area, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring this essential water resource in Montana.
Owned and operated by a private entity, Aries does not receive federal funding or oversight from the US Army Corps of Engineers. Its location in a rural area underscores its significance in providing essential water resources for the local community. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Aries become increasingly crucial for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
OLSEN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
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.
Aries