Rigby Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rigby, South is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Pondera, Montana, along the South Pondera Coulee.


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Summary

Built in 1918, this earth dam stands at 15 feet high and spans 300 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 138 acre-feet for irrigation purposes. Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Rigby, South is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its structural integrity and safety.

Despite its low hazard potential, the condition assessment of Rigby, South has not been rated, indicating a need for further evaluation to ensure the dam's continued functionality. With no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) currently in place, it is essential for the owners to prepare for any unforeseen events and update emergency contacts regularly. While the dam meets state regulations and permitting requirements, there is room for improvement in terms of risk assessment and management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and environment.

In conclusion, Rigby, South serves as a vital water resource for agricultural activities in the region, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to prevent any potential risks or hazards. With its historical significance and role in supporting local irrigation needs, efforts should be made to assess its condition, develop an EAP, and enhance risk management strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of this essential infrastructure.

Year Completed

1918

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

SOUTH PONDERA COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

138

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.