Balder Reservoir Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Balder Reservoir, located in Poplar, Montana, is a private earth dam completed in 1962 by the USDA NRCS to primarily reduce flood risks in the area.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This reservoir spans 400 feet in length and stands at a structural height of 28 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 690 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 530 acre-feet. The reservoir is situated on U.P. Creek and falls within the jurisdiction of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
The dam at Balder Reservoir poses a significant hazard potential, although its condition assessment is currently not rated. The risk assessment for the reservoir is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk. While the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and other risk management measures are not specified in the data, the reservoir's spillway type is noted as uncontrolled with a width of 400 feet. With a drainage area of 4.69 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 3000 cubic feet per second, Balder Reservoir serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region, highlighting the importance of its upkeep and maintenance for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
U.P. CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
4.69 |
Nid Storage |
690 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Balder Reservoir