Manger Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Manger is a private irrigation dam located in Meagher County, Montana, along Fords Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1937 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at 20 feet high and spans 450 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet. While it currently has a low hazard potential and is not rated for condition assessment, Manger is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
Situated in Congressional District 00, Montana, Manger serves as a vital water resource for agricultural irrigation in the region. With a drainage area of 3.91 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 400 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in water management and distribution. Despite not having been modified in recent years, Manger remains an essential infrastructure for water supply and conservation efforts in the area, contributing to the sustainable use of water resources for climate resilience.
As a part of the larger network of dams and water structures in Montana, Manger exemplifies the collaborative efforts between federal agencies like the Natural Resources Conservation Service and state regulators to manage water resources effectively. With its location in the Walla Walla District and under the jurisdiction of the DNRC, Manger highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for irrigation purposes, showcasing the intersection of water management, climate adaptation, and agricultural sustainability in the region.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
FORDS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
3.91 |
Nid Storage |
82 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Grasshopper
|
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Grasshopper Campground
|
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Richardson Campground
|
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Newlan Creek Reservoir FAS
|
Manger