Voldseth East Dam

Voldseth East Dam is an earth dam located in Meagher County, Montana, built in 1939. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Voldseth East Dam

The primary purpose of Voldseth East Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by David A Voldseth (private). It impounds the Tr-south Fork Musselsheel Ri. near Martinsdale.

The dam stands 24 feet tall and stretches 1,150 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 108 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,925 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1939, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/27/2020.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Montana dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateMontana
CountyMeagher
Nearest CityMartinsdale
River/StreamTr-south Fork Musselsheel Ri.
Coordinates46.38730, -110.49920

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height24 ft
Dam Height24 ft
Dam Length1,150 ft
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage1,925 acre-ft
Max Storage1,925 acre-ft
Normal Storage1,188 acre-ft
Surface Area108 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge100 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeIrrigation
OwnerDAVID A VOLDSETH
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection05/27/2020
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDMT01590
Federal IDMT01153S001
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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