Vaira

MIDDLE CHARLIE CREEK· Richland, Montana· Built 1955· Earth· 30 ft tall
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Vaira is classified as low hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 30 ft (taller than 82.7% in MT)
Dam Length100 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage48 acre-ft
Normal Storage35 acre-ft
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed1955 (71 years old)
NID IDMT02620

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DNRC

Ownership

EDWARD VAIRA

Private

Nearby Dams

V E G Gunderson

Richland, MT

Low Hazard 16 ft

Latka

Richland, MT

Low Hazard 14 ft

Golden

Richland, MT

Low Hazard 30 ft

Latka #5

Richland, MT

Low Hazard 14 ft

Burke

Richland, MT

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Peer #1

Richland, MT

Low Hazard 15 ft

Tri-W-Inc #2

Richland, MT

Low Hazard 14 ft

Tolksdorf #2

Richland, MT

Low Hazard 15 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Vaira?

Vaira is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Vaira?

Vaira is owned by EDWARD VAIRA (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Vaira built?

Vaira was completed in 1955, making it 71 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Vaira?

Vaira serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Vaira?

Vaira has a dam height of 30 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.